WASHINGTON — Tajikistan recently made its debut on the United States’ list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) but noticeably absent was Pakistan.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, released the latest list April 15 in a White House briefing.
Also remaining on the list are Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CPC falls under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act and helps spotlight countries and conditions that require the international community’s attention, Kirby said. Countries on the list are among the worst religious freedom violators.
“Today and every day, as you know, we are committed to working with governments, civil society organizations and individuals to achieve our shared interest in promoting peace and stability through, in part, the promotion and protection of all human rights including religious freedom,” he said.
While no explanation was given as to why Pakistan did not make the list, it does mean a recommendation by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was ignored, according to The Christian Post.
According to Open Doors USA, Pakistan is currently the sixth worst country in the world for Christian persecution.
(TAB)
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