News from May 2023
“DEMANDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA IMMEDIATELY RELEASE MARK SWIDAN” published by the Congressional Record in the Senate section on May 10
By State Newswire | May 15, 2023
The Senate section of the Congressional Record published “DEMANDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA IMMEDIATELY RELEASE MARK SWIDAN” on May 10.
Sentencing of Human Rights Defender Guo Feixiong
By State Newswire | May 15, 2023
Release: We condemn the reported sentencing of human rights activist and lawyer Guo Feixiong, also known as Yang Maodong. The PRC government sentenced Mr. Guo to eight years of imprisonment for his peaceful advocacy work on behalf of the people of the PRC. Our diplomats were blocked from attending his trial in...
DOS-NEA-AC grant application closes on June 15
By State Newswire | May 15, 2023
Supporting American-Style Higher Education in Iraq 2023 grant opened on May 15.
DOS-COL offers new grant application process starting May 15
By State Newswire | May 15, 2023
Advancing Media Literacy of Regional Journalists in Colombia grant opened on May 15.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mozambique
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for the right to practice freely or not to practice religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion. These and other rights may temporarily be suspended or restricted only in the event of a declaration of a state of war, siege, or emergency. The constitution prohibits political parties from using names or symbols associated with religious groups. Religious groups have the right to organize, worship, and operate schools.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Niger
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of religion and worship consistent with public order, social peace, and national unity. It provides for the separation of state and religion and prohibits religiously affiliated political parties.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Equatorial Guinea
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for freedom of religion and worship and prohibits political parties based on religious affiliation. The law states there is no national religion, but by decree and practice, the government gives preference to the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformed Church of Equatorial...
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: South Sudan
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The transitional constitution provides for separation of religion and state, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides religious groups freedom to worship and assemble, organize themselves, teach, own property, receive financial contributions, communicate and issue publications on religious matters, and establish charitable institutions.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: New Zealand
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The unwritten constitution, which comprises several basic laws, provides the right to manifest religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, or teaching, either individually or in community with others, and either in public or in private. The law prohibits discrimination based on religious belief.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Gabon
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of religion and worship and equality for all, irrespective of religious belief. It grants religious groups autonomy and the right to provide religious instruction.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: The Bahamas
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution states freedom of religion is a fundamental right. Individuals may practice freely the religion of their choice or practice no religion at all. The law prohibits discrimination based on religion. The constitution refers to “an abiding respect for Christian values" in its preamble; however, there is no state-established religious body or official religion.
The Election of Amy E. Pope as Director General of the International Organization for Migration
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
News Release: Congratulations to Amy E. Pope on her historic win to serve as the next Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). We thank Director General Vitorino for his service and leadership of IOM over the past five years. Ms. Pope’s election reflects a broad endorsement by member ...
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mongolia
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and religion, prohibits discrimination based on religion, and mandates the separation of the activities of state and religious institutions. The law requires religious institutions to register with authorities but provides little detail on registration procedures, leaving local authorities to decide most of the specifics of implementation. The law prohibits hindering the free exercise of faith but limits proselytization.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Burundi
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution defines the state as secular, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of conscience and religion. The law requires religious groups to register with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) before operating.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Peru
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution bars discrimination based on religious affiliation or belief and provides for freedom of conscience and religion, either individually or in association with others. It provides for the separation of religion and state but also recognizes the historic importance of the Roman Catholic Church.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Saint Lucia
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for freedom of religion and individuals’ right to change, manifest, and propagate the religion of their choosing. It grants religious groups the right to establish and maintain schools and provide religious instruction. The law requires religious groups with more than 250 members to register with the government.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Australia
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution bars the federal government from making any law that imposes a state religion or religious observance, prohibits the free exercise of religion, or establishes a religious test for a federal public office.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Azerbaijan
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution stipulates the separation of religion and state and the equality of all religions before the law. It also protects the right of individuals to express their religious beliefs and to practice religious rituals, provided these do not violate public order or public morality. The law prohibits...
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Saint Kitts and Nevis
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion. The government continued to ban public marijuana usage except for registered places of worship of the Rastafarian religious community or any place authorized by the Prevention and Abatement of the Misuse...
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Suriname
By State Newswire | May 16, 2023
Release: The constitution provides for freedom of religion. Both the constitution and the penal code prohibit discrimination based on religion. Any violation may be brought before a court of justice. Religious groups seeking financial support from the government must register with the Ministry of Home Affairs.