Book Description

" Congress passed the Act in 1998 to promote international religious freedom, among other purposes. The Act established within State the Office of International Religious Freedom, headed by an Ambassador-at-Large. The Act also established USCIRF, with the Ambassador-at-Large as an ex-officio member. In addition, the Act outlined primary responsibilities for both State and USCIRF. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2011required GAO to report on matters related to the U.S. promotion of international religious freedom. This report assesses (1) State's implementation of its primary responsibilities established in the Act, (2) USCIRF's implementation of its primary responsibilities established in the Act, (3) State's and USCIRF's interaction to promote religious freedom, and (4) NGOs' views on U.S. efforts to promote religious freedom. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed officials from State, USCIRF, NGOs, and foreign governments. GAO conducted fieldwork in five countries, including CPCs, and surveyed 131 NGOs. The survey results reflect the views of survey respondents and cannot be generalized. "