USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom Violations Against Indigenous Communities in Latin America

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Religious Freedom Violations Against Indigenous Communities in Latin America – This comprehensive report features three crosscutting research areas that illuminate the religious freedom challenges facing indigenous communities in Latin America. First, the report analyzes the international mechanisms intended to protect indigenous peoples’ religious freedom, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It identifies Latin American states that have adopted these declarations and provides an assessment of their adherence to their obligations. Second, it documents domestic legal measures related to the protection of indigenous peoples’ right to manifest their religion, as well as an assessment of how states are upholding these rights. Lastly, the report provides detailed information about recent religious freedom violations against indigenous communities and individuals, including discrimination in public institutions, prevention of rituals, verbal abuse, and violent attacks.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].