News from May 2023
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cabo Verde
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution and other laws protect the right of individuals to choose, practice, profess, and change their religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Somalia
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The provisional federal constitution (PFC) provides for the right of individuals to practice their religion, makes Islam the state religion, prohibits the propagation of any religion other than Islam, and stipulates all laws must comply with the general principles of sharia.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Madagascar
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religious thought and expression and prohibits religious discrimination in the workplace.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Democratic Republic of the Congo
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution states that the country is secular, prohibits religious discrimination, provides for freedom of religion or belief, bans the use of religion for political ends, and stipulates that impositions on freedom of conscience stemming from “religious fanaticism” shall be punishable by law.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Benin
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution establishes a secular state and provides for freedom of religious thought, expression, and practice.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cote d’Ivoire
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religious belief and worship, consistent with law and order, and prohibits religious discrimination.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Central African Republic
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution establishes the country as a secular state.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Botswana
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion, with certain exceptions, and for protection against governmental discrimination based on creed.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Burundi
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution defines the state as secular, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of conscience and religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: South Africa
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion and belief and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Comoros
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution specifies Islam is the state religion and defines the national identity as being based on a single religion – Sunni Islam – but proclaims equality of rights and obligations for all, regardless of religious belief.
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Verma’s Travel to Poland, Moldova, and Romania
By State Newswire | May 25, 2023
Release: Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard Verma will travel to Poland, Moldova, and Romania May 14-20. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Assistant Secretary Todd D. Robinson, Bureau...
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Togo
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution specifies the state is secular and protects the rights of all citizens to exercise their religious beliefs, consistent with the nation’s laws.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Uganda
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and stipulates there shall be no state religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Namibia
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of belief and the right to practice, profess, and promote any religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sao Tome and Principe
By State Newswire Report | May 25, 2023
The constitution and the law on religious freedom provide for freedom of religion and worship and equality for all, irrespective of religious belief, and provide for judicial protection to all religious denominations.
State Department Engages Partners on Burma Sanctions Coordination
By State Newswire | May 25, 2023
News Release: On May 24, the Sanctions Coordinators for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the services in charge of sanctions policy and implementation of the European Commission and the European External Action Service met to continue to assess and align ongoing efforts related to sanctions on Burma (Myanmar).
Terrorist Designation of al-Shabaab Leaders
By State Newswire | May 25, 2023
Release: The United States continues to support Somalia and our other East African partners in their efforts to disrupt al-Shabaab’s operations. Countering one of al-Qa’ida’s most dangerous affiliates, which has killed thousands of people, including Americans, in Somalia and across East Africa remains a shared priority with the Somali government.
Assistant Secretary Holmgren to Deliver Remarks on the Importance of FISA Section 702 to American Diplomacy
By State Newswire | May 25, 2023
News Release: As Congress considers reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Research (INR), Brett Holmgren, will deliver remarks on the importance of Section 702 to empowering U.S. diplomacy and advancing American ...
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi
By State Newswire | May 25, 2023
News Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller