Monday, August 27, 2012

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: THE WORLD

The new Ambassador needs to introduce the right thought process

Even region-wise, while North and South American states have low restrictions on religion freedom, Middle Eastern and North African nations have strict restrictions. In 75 countries, governments have limited the efforts of religious groups to proselytise. Interestingly, while India has moderate to high levels of government restrictions but high level of social hostility, China has high level of government restrictions but moderate or low level of social hostilities.

Moreover, it has become extremely important to bring world’s most widely followed religions on one platform. This, in a way, can reduce restrictions over religious practices, curb human rights abuses and help mitigate inter-religious hostilities. Unfortunately, the ambassador of the US IRF plays more of a diplomatic role with countries like Iran, China, Burma et al, rather than playing the religous role. It is important for the US IRF now to stop acting as yet another front to fulfil the diplomatic initiatives of the US government; it has to focus on the larger goal that justifies its existence.



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