North Korea Designated “Country of Special Concern” for Religious Freedom for 22nd Year

North Korea Designated as “Country of Special Concern for Religious Freedom” for 22nd Consecutive Year

The United States government has once again designated North Korea as a “Country of Special Concern for Religious Freedom” for the 22nd consecutive year, according to a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun. The US State Department emphasized the importance of promoting religious freedom as a core element of its foreign policy.

Continued Concerns over Religious Freedom

Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the US government evaluates the status of religious freedom in countries worldwide on an annual basis. Countries that severely suppress religious freedom are designated as “Countries of Special Concern.” North Korea has been found to deny rights related to religion, conscience, and belief, engaging in human rights abuses classified as crimes against humanity.

North Korea and Other Designated Countries

North Korea is not the only country included in the list of “Countries of Special Concern for Religious Freedom.” China, Russia, Myanmar, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have also been designated as “Countries of Special Concern” for the year 2023. These countries have been identified as seriously infringing upon religious freedom.

Recommendations and Calls to Action

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) previously recommended designating 17 countries, including North Korea, as “Countries of Special Concern for Religious Freedom.” Secretary of State Tony Blinken urged governments worldwide to cease attacks on religious minority groups, reflecting these concerns. USCIRF also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam as “Countries of Particular Concern” due to serious violations of religious freedom.

Commitment to Religious Freedom

The US government’s efforts to promote religious freedom remain steadfast. Through the evaluation of religious freedom worldwide and the designation of “Countries of Special Concern,” the US aims to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of religious freedom for all individuals, regardless of their faith or belief system.

In conclusion, the designation of North Korea as a “Country of Special Concern for Religious Freedom” for the 22nd consecutive year underscores ongoing concerns about religious freedom within the country. The US government, in collaboration with organizations like USCIRF, continues to urge governments worldwide to respect and protect the rights of religious minorities.