What is the mandate of the USCIRF?
The USCIRF is a bipartisan U.S. federal agency established in 1998.
It monitors international religious freedom and assesses conditions in countries outside the U.S.
The agency produces annual reports based on human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
How does the USCIRF designate a country as a 'Country of Particular Concern' (CPC)?
Countries are designated as CPCs if they commit "systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations" of religious freedom.
The USCIRF submits its recommendations to the U.S. State Department, which then decides whether to accept them.
Countries with severe violations but not meeting the CPC standard are included in a Special Watch List.
How has the Indian government reacted to the report?
The Indian government dismissed the USCIRF report as biased and politically motivated.
A spokesperson stated that the USCIRF misrepresents facts and urged the organization to stop its "agenda-driven" efforts.
India views the USCIRF as a tool of U.S. foreign policy rather than an independent entity.
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