8 worst countries for religious freedom

[hrmjustin]

Brian Pellot

At its core, freedom of religion or belief requires freedom of expression. Both fundamental rights are protected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet nearly half of all countries penalize blasphemy, apostasy or defamation of religion. In 13 countries, atheists can be put to death for their lack of belief.

The U.S. State Department names and shames eight “Countries of Particular Concern” that severely violate religious freedom rights within their borders. These countries not only suppress religious expression, they systematically torture and detain people who cross political and social red lines around faith. The worst of the worst are:

1. Burma

Burma’s population is 90 percent Theravada Buddhist, a faith the government embraces and promotes over Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Minority populations that adhere to these and other faiths are denied building permits, banned from proselytizing and pressured to convert to the majority faith. Religious groups must register with the government, and Burmese citizens must list their faith on official documents. Burma’s constitution provides for limited religious freedom, but individual laws and government officials actively restrict it. Most at risk in Burma are Rohingya Muslims, 240 of whom were killed this year in clashes with Buddhist mobs. Burma has refused to grant citizenship to 800,000 Rohingya, 240,000 of whom have fled their homes in recent clashes.

http://brianpellot.religionnews.com/2014/01/07/8-worst-countries-religious-freedom/

[Common Sense Party]

1. Interesting, and sad that people are not left alone to think and believe as they choose.

"North Korea’s constitution guarantees religious freedom." I never would have guessed that. Of course there's much that I don't know.

[MADem]

2. I agree with the list, by and large, I might order it slightly differently, but

they've pointed out the restrictions and prohibitions pretty succinctly.