USCIRF: Azerbaijan’s Proposed Religious Law Amendments Amplify Concerns of Persecution
05/24/2021 Azerbaijan (International Christian Concern) – In a May 17 report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern for several proposed amendments to Azerbaijan’s law on religious freedom. The latest of frequent issues regarding religious freedom in the country, these amendments seek to limit the activities of minority religious communities by imposing restrictions on religious leaders and the ability of congregations to operate normally while leaders are absent. Further, many events and ceremonies put on by religious communities would be dependent upon the establishment of a “religious center”.
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USCIRF concerned by condition of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned that proposed amendments to Azerbaijan’s law “On Freedom of Religious Beliefs” would fail to address issues in the existing law, which USCIRF Commissioners raised in a delegation to the country last year. The amendments would also enact additional restrictions on religious communities, the Commission said in a issued statement on Monday.
“We are disappointed to see Azerbaijan introduce new restrictions that will only serve to further circumscribe the space for the free exercise of freedom of religion or belief. We urge the Azerbaijani government to reconsider these amendments in light of its commitments to human rights,” said USCIRF Chair Anurima Bhargava.
EU speaks for religious minorities in Pakistan
ANI
19 May 2021, 00:19 GMT+10
Islamabad [Pakistan], May 18 (ANI): Amid the recent surge in mob violence and religious persecution in Pakistan, the EU Parliament last month called for a review of Pakistan s GSP status, citing concerns over the latter s blasphemy laws and poor rights record.
On April 29, the European Parliament passed a resolution decrying the deterioration of what was already a terrible record of religious persecution in the country.
The resolution was overwhelmingly passed as EU Parliament noted the situation in Pakistan continues to decline as the governments have failed to end the misuses of blasphemy laws and protect religious minorities from abuse by non-state actors.