Synopsis of References to the Bahá'í
Faith
in the US State Department's Reports on Human Rights,
1991-2001
compiled by Ralph D. Wagner
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The Department of State currently publishes two annual compilations on human rights in individual foreign countries:
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices covers events in the calendar year and appears in February of the following year.
Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom covers the period from July to June and is published in September of the year of the report. Both are derived from reports by American diplomats, United Nations observers, and private human-rights groups. They are surprisingly objective, including sharp criticisms of many allies of the US. This synopsis includes references to the Bahá'í Faith in Human Rights Practices from 1991 to 2001 and International Religious Freedom from 1999 (the first year of publication) to 2001. Not all of the countries covered restrict the practice of the Bahá'í Faith. Some reports note that the Bahá'ís enjoy religious freedom, while others provide information on the size, demography, or activities of the Bahá'í communities. Reports that simply note the presence of Bahá'ís have not been quoted, since this is now true of nearly all countries. Not all countries that restrict the practice of the Bahá'í Faith are listed here. The reports on Saudi Arabia contain a flat statement that "Freedom of religion does not exist." In some other Muslim countries there seems to be an understanding that the Bahá'ís will not be disturbed if they keep their activities private. When identical or nearly identical text appears in more than one report, I have included the most recent version, with a few bracketed addenda noting important differences. Topical Headings The topical headings, which do not necessarily correspond to the headings in the reports, are: FREEDOM OF RELIGION: A general statement on freedom of religion to establish the context, as well as any general statements on violations of the Bahá'ís' freedom of religion. BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY: Comments on the size, demography, or activities of the Bahá'í community. TRIALS, IMPRISONMENT, AND EXECUTIONS: In the case of Iran, this has been subdivided into particular cases. CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY EDUCATION: Policies affecting access to education or discrimination in schools. EMPLOYMENT: Discrimination in public or private employment. TRAVEL: Policies affecting freedom of travel within the country, availability of passports, or emigration. SOCIAL ATTITUDES: Attitudes of the broad public, rather than government action. US GOVERNMENT POLICY: Official statements, discussions with foreign governments, or contacts between US diplomats and the Bahá'í community. Access to full texts The following full texts are available from the State Department websites: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom: Earlier editions of Country Reports on Human Rights Practices back to 1978 are available in larger American libraries, especially those that are depositories for Federal Government publications. Future editions of this synopsis will extend coverage back until all are covered.
-R.D.W.
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