What does USCIRF report say about India?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

USCIRF Report on India:

• The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a country update on India, highlighting deteriorating religious freedom conditions in 2024.
• The report claims individuals from minority communities have faced killings, lynchings, arbitrary arrests, and the destruction of places of worship throughout 2024.
• The Indian government has strongly rejected the report, calling USCIRF a biassed organisation with a political agenda.

What is the USCIRF?

• The USCIRF is a U.S.-based federal government agency that monitors religious freedom worldwide, based on international human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• It differs from the U.S. State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) and its recommendations do not directly affect bilateral relations.
• Although backed by extensive research, some view the USCIRF’s timing and reports as influenced by U.S. foreign policy goals, raising concerns about its objectivity.

USCIRF’s Role:

• USCIRF assesses religious freedom violations globally, producing an annual report recommending countries for designation as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) or inclusion in the Special Watch List (SWL).
• CPC countries face the possibility of U.S. sanctions if their violations are deemed systematic, ongoing, and egregious.

USCIRF’s Findings on India:

• The report emphasises increasing suppression of minorities through discriminatory laws like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, anti-conversion laws, and cow slaughter laws.
• It accuses Indian officials of promoting hateful rhetoric and perpetuating violence against religious minorities, while designating India as a CPC in 2024.

India’s Response:

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the report as politically motivated, stating that it misrepresents facts and reflects an agenda-driven narrative.