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Regional Affairs

State Department Engages Partners on Burma Sanctions Coordination

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).


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Tuvalu

The constitution provides for the freedom to change religion or belief and the freedom to show and spread religious belief through worship, teaching, observance, or practice.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Vanuatu

The constitution provides for individual freedom of “religious or traditional beliefs,” with the preamble to the constitution referring to “traditional Melanesian values, faith in God, and Christian principles.



Regional Affairs

Eritrean National Day

Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Eritrea on the 32nd anniversary of their nation’s independence. The United States hopes that a shared desire for peace and freedom will bring our peoples closer together.



Regional Affairs

Terrorist Designation of al-Shabaab Leaders

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.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sao Tome and Principe

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.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Namibia

The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of belief and the right to practice, profess, and promote any religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Uganda

The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and stipulates there shall be no state religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Togo

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.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Comoros

​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.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: South Africa

The constitution provides for freedom of religion and belief and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Burundi

The constitution defines the state as secular, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of conscience and religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Botswana

The constitution provides for freedom of religion, with certain exceptions, and for protection against governmental discrimination based on creed.



Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cote d’Ivoire

The constitution provides for freedom of religious belief and worship, consistent with law and order, and prohibits religious discrimination.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Benin

The constitution establishes a secular state and provides for freedom of religious thought, expression, and practice.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Democratic Republic of the Congo

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.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Madagascar

The constitution provides for freedom of religious thought and expression and prohibits religious discrimination in the workplace.