US Commission proposes adding India to CPC list

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended Biden Administration to place four countries including India under “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC). The other three countries were Russia, Vietnam and Syria.

Also, the USCIRF recommended to redesignate ten countries as “Countries of Particular Concern”. They were China, Iran, North Korea, Burma, Eritrea, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

USCIRF

The USCIRF was established by the US Government in 1998 after the enaction of International Religious Freedom Act. The Commissioners of USCIRF are appointed by the President. It mainly aims to review the violations of religious freedom internationally. It makes recommendations to President, US Congress and the Secretary of State. However, it is not mandatory for them to implement the recommendations.

Why should India be placed under CPC list?

According to the report, the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed in 2020 led to nationwide protests. The act was passed to fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim migrants residing in the country. These migrants were from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The report also noted that the Government of India has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. This was done to increase restrictions on Non-Governmental Organisations and their foreign funds. The amendments led to forced closure of human rights organisation and religious organisations. This included Amnesty International India. The Amnesty International India was closed after the authorities froze its bank account in October 2020.

India’s Stand

According to India, the Citizenship Amendment Act is an internal matter of the country. The act was passed to protect oppressed minorities in the neighbouring countries.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2021