Feb 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 13, 2008
Contact: Judith Ingram, Communications Director,
(202) 523-3240
WASHINGTON-The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom calls on the Egyptian government to respect and enforce a series of judicial rulings that recognize limited rights of the members of some religious minority communities. On Saturday, Egypt's highest court reversed a lower court's ruling prohibiting citizens from returning to Christianity after converting to Islam. Last month, the same court overturned an Egyptian government ban on providing official identity documents to members of the Baha'i faith by allowing Baha'is to put "other" or not list their religious affiliation at all. Until that ruling, identity documents permitted registration in only one of the three officially approved faiths-Islam, Christianity, or Judaism-thereby effectively preventing Baha'is from gaining the official recognition necessary to have access to numerous public services.
"These twin decisions can be helpful steps toward meaningful reform if respected by Egyptian authorities," said Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. "After a long period of setbacks in the sphere of religious freedom, Egyptian courts have delivered some rulings that have the potential to help address aspects of these discriminatory policies. The next essential step is for these rulings to be fully implemented in practice."
The Commission nevertheless continues to be concerned over other, serious violations of the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief in Egypt. Just last week, a court denied the right of Muhammed Hegazy to convert to Christianity from Islam. Citing Article II of the Egyptian constitution, which says that Islamic law is the principal source of legislation, the judge ruled that since Hegazy was born Muslim and since Islam is the "final and most complete religion," he could not convert to another, allegedly less "complete" belief, such as Christianity. Hegazy, who has been subjected to death threats for trying to exercise the right to choose his religion freely, is the first convert to Christianity to sue Egypt for rejecting his application to officially change his religious affiliation on identity documents.
Even the most court recent ruling, in fact, leaves wide latitude for continued discrimination against religious minorities. In the case of the 12 people allowed to return to Christianity, the court ruled that their identity documents must list them as "ex-Muslim"-potentially opening a new avenue for continued prejudicial treatment by officials responsible for providing public services, police harassment, and societal violence.
"The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that the freedom of religion includes ‘the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of (one's) choice,'" Cromartie said. "Egypt has a long and fabled history of religious diversity, and it is a tradition that can enrich the nation today. The government and the courts should protect the internationally recognized freedom of religion or belief for individuals of all faiths."
The Commission has previously called on the U.S. government to urge the Egyptian government to ensure that every Egyptian is protected against discrimination by modifying the national identity card such that the religious affiliation category is either eliminated or made optional. The Commission has also recommended that the U.S. government urge the Egyptian government to remove de facto responsibility for religious affairs from the State Security Services, and to repeal Article 98(f) in the Penal Code, which criminalizes insulting Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The full list of the Commission's recommendations regarding freedom of religion in Egypt can be found in the 2007 Annual Report (http://www.uscirf.gov/reports-briefs/annual-report/2007-annual-report).
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal commission that advises the President, Secretary of State, and Congress on how to promote religious freedom and associated rights around the world. It was created by the U.S. Congress in the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA).
Feb 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2008
Contact: Judith Ingram, Communications Director
(202) 523-3240, ext. 127
WASHINGTON-The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom mourns the death of Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), an eloquent champion of human rights and a determined advocate for advancing the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief around the world.
"Rep. Lantos combined a nobility of purpose with an unwavering commitment to translating ideals into practical action," said Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. "We, along with so many around the world, will sorely miss his support, friendship, and leadership in the human rights field."
As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as a co-founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Rep. Lantos was one of the most vital voices on Capitol Hill for the promotion of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. "Despite the many demands on the time and attention of such a senior member of Congress, victims of human rights abuses could consistently rely upon Rep. Lantos to be an advocate for freedom," Cromartie said. "Rep. Lantos never hesitated to speak on behalf of those with no political voice."
Rep. Lantos was a longtime partner in the work of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan body he helped bring to life through his support for the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, landmark legislation that defined the importance of advancing religious freedom and associated human rights in American foreign policy.
"Rep. Lantos had the unique ability to inspire broad support for vitally needed rights measures that transcended party lines," said Commissioner Felice D. Gaer. "His background as a Holocaust survivor and American immigrant enabled him to shape America's human rights policies with unique empathy, determination, and effectiveness. We were so fortunate to have his powerful moral and political leadership in shaping foreign affairs. His absence is an immeasurable loss to the advocates of freedom worldwide."
The Commission extends its deepest condolences to Rep. Lantos' wife, Annette, and the rest of his family.
Feb 8, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2008
Contact: Judith Ingram, Communications Director
(202) 523-3240
WASHINGTON-Commissioner Nina Shea briefed congressional staff on Jan. 29, 2008, on recommendations for making U.S. policy toward Burma more effective. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom developed the recommendations after sponsoring a hearing on the brutal Burmese government crackdown on the Buddhist monks, students and others who led and took part in last fall's Saffron Revolution. The recommendations were contained in a 4-page letter on Jan. 11 to President Bush from the Commission, which urged extra efforts to advance democratic reform and respect for human rights in Burma as a major priority of the Administration and was signed by Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. The recommendations include:
·establishment of an interagency taskforce on Burma under the National Security Council. This taskforce should be headed by a senior ranking official, to coordinate U.S. government policy on Burma;
·appointment of a Special Coordinator on Burma at the State Department to coordinate bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts and to serve as the Administration's point person for efforts to bring about democratic reform in Burma; and
·continuing, firm U.S. support for various UN diplomatic efforts including:
•granting unimpeded access to the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Burma;
•engaging in constructive dialogue with the UN Human Rights Council and its special procedures, especially the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and
•initiating action on a UN Security Council resolution that will include a binding timeframe and offer the UN Secretary General a clear mandate in his interactions with Burmese authorities.
The Commission letter pointed out the desperate need for U.S. leadership to keep the international focus on demands for democracy and the protection of human rights in Burma. "The world cannot turn its back on Burma and allow the regime's brutal repression to continue. Inaction or silence allows Burma's military leaders tighten their grip on Burma's people," Commissioner Shea said at the briefing. "The United States should continue to take a leading role in shaping bilateral and multilateral efforts to bring about a peaceful democratic transition."
The off-the-record briefing was chaired by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), sponsored by the congressional Task Force on International Religious Freedom, and included the participation of Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA). David Mathieson, Burma Consultant in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, and Jennifer Quigley, Advocacy Coordinator for the U.S. Campaign for Burma, also took part.