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International Religious Persecution – Civil Society/Democracy Building
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International Religious Persecution – Civil Society/Democracy Building
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ious Persecution
CIVIL SOCIETY/
DEMOCRACY BUILDING
Jut'l
give pel Receivention
Question:
Last year, the National Association of Evangelicals issued a
Statement of Conscience which outlined disturbing findings about
instances of worldwide religious persecution. I am concerned
about the fact that American tax payers are supporing regimes
where such tragic oppression is occuring. Currently, the U.S.
Government gives millions of dollars in aid and supports
multilateral bank loans to countries that routinely persecute or
discuriminate against people of various faiths. Do you believe
guarantees against religious persecution in a country shoud be a
condition for US foreign aid or financial guarantees?
Answer:
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, requires the
United States "to promote and encourage respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms throughout the world without distinction
as to race, sex, language, or religion" and stipulates that
"assistance may not be provided
to a country the government
of which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of
internationally recognized human rights
"
Countries eligable
to receive US assistance are reviewed for their record of
compliance with internationally recognized human rights
standards. We believe this legislation is sufficient to provide
the US Government with necessary leverage to press governments
for an improvements in their human rights record, including
compliance with standards of freedom of religion.
The US Government regularly expresses concerns about
government compliance with international standards on human
rights, narcotics, arms proliferation, and other issues. The
record of governments are openly discussed at International
Financial Institutions and are taken into consideration when
determining whether to vote to extend loans. In practice, the US
Government does voice opposition to loans to countries in which
we have serious human rights concerns. In recent years, we have
vocied our concerns and have not voted to support loans to Burma,
China, Iran, and Mauritania. Respect for religious freedom is
one of the criteria in our human rights considerations.
Drafted: DRL/LEA:AArriaga (ph: 7-1422, fax: 7-0431)
Clear:
EB/IFD/ODF: LizDibble (ph: 7-5686, fax: 7-5585)
G: JMeer
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Questions for the Record Submitted by Senator Helms to
Secretary of State Designate Madeleine Albright
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
January 8, 1997
Question:
Do you agree that, as we approach the 21st century,
religious persecution constitutes one of the most serious threats
to individual freedom, and that addressing this problem must be a
top priority in U.S. human rights policy?
Answer:
One disturbing aspect of the post-Cold War world has been
the persistence, and in some cases the intensification, of
religious intolerance and of the use of religious and ethnic
differences for narrow and violent political ends; the conflict
in Bosnia is but one tragic example of this trend. People of
faith are persecuted for their beliefs and cultural loyalties in
many parts of the world.
At the same time, many religious communities are actively
engaged in promoting tolerance and religious freedom and in
trying to resolve conflicts among groups, and this is one
heartening feature of our world.
The U.S. Government uses both quiet diplomacy and public
condemnation to combat religious intolerance. Our aim has been
to secure the release and improve the treatment of individuals
-2-
in countries where they face incarceration or harassment because
of their faith. At international fora, our Government has
focused attention on the need for religious tolerance and
reconciliation, as well as the need for multilateral opposition
to the persecution of persons on the basis of their religious
beliefs. Every year, the State Department Country Reports on
Human Rights Practices publicly document the practice of
governments around the world on issues of religious freedom and
other human rights. Last year, Secretary of State Warren
Christopher formed an Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom
Abroad to advise the US Government on means of advancing
religious freedom and help bring greater attention to this
important issue.
As Americans, we must remain true to our values, and freedom
of conscience and belief is one of the bedrock principles of our
republic. This value goes hand-in-hand with our interests, as we
want to see a world where people are free to practice their
faith. Promoting freedom of conscience and religion and
supporting the work of religious communities for that freedom and
for the peaceful resolution of conflicts must play a significant
role in our diplomacy.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
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Helms #1
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EAP: PSlutz
Question:
Regarding the improvement of reporting on religious
persecution in the State Department's Human Rights Reports, will
you require that the reporting be more detailed so that adequate
coverage is given to the treatment of various religious groups?
Answer:
With every passing year, the State Department's annual
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices garners increasing
praise from human rights activists, academics and the public at
large for the fairness, consistency and thoroughness of its
reporting. We have made this progress because we are constantly
looking for ways to improve the Country Reports and regularly
direct posts to provide thorough and accurate information.
Reporting of religious persecution has always been a major
feature of the Reports, and will continue to be so. We welcome
the input of the Congress and of the Non-Governmental community
on ways in which we can deepen and enhance the coverage of this
issue along with any others.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
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Helms #2
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H:DKillion
Question:
Would you agree that there are more individuals in prison in
China because of religious activities than in any other nation in
the world?
Answer:
It is impossible to determine the number of individuals
imprisoned because of religious activities, since the Government
of China restricts access to such information. We do monitor and
raise both the general topic of human rights and individual cases
with Government officials in the course of our bilateral
dialogue.
We have indicated in the Country Reports on Human Rights
Practices and in public statements that we are aware of increased
restrictions on the activities of unregistered religious groups.
Chinese officials have closed dozens of unregistered churches,
mosques, temples, and seminaries, and hundreds of Protestant
"house church" groups, many with significan membership,
properties, and financial resources. Some leaders of such groups
have been detained for lengthy investigation.
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Question:
Has the U.S. Government lodged any protests or otherwise
communicated with Chinese authorities about the plan to
systematically destroy Vatican-loyal Roman Catholic
congregations?
Answer:
On his recent trip to China, Secretary of State Warren
Christopher raised a range of human rights concerns and called
for the release of prisoners of conscience incarcerated for the
peaceful expression of their religious, political, or social
views.
In recent years, our Embassy has monitored and reported on
persecution of Catholics and other religious minorities. Our
bilateral discussions have focused on fundamental human rights
issues, including freedom of religion. Over the years, as we
have passed to the Chinese lists of prisoners to request their
release, those persecuted for their religious beliefs have been
included. In addition, we always cover the issue of religious
freedom in the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. In
1996, we have documented increased repression of unofficial
Christian groups. The repression of Catholics and other
unofficial religious group in China is the source of great
concern.
As Secretary of State, I intend to give high priority to
religious freedom. I will ensure that this issue remains part of
our human rights agenda with the Chinese Government.
Drafted by: DRL:AArriaga
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Question:
Is it true that the aforementioned plan calls for the
imprisonment of Roman Catholic priests and bishops for
celebrating mass and administering the sacraments without
official authorization, as well as the destruction and
confiscation of church property?
Answer:
The State Department's Country Reports indicate that the
Government of China restricts all actual religious practice to
government-supervised religious organizations and registered
places of worship. In recent years, Chinese authorities have
intensified enforcement of State Council regulations signed in
1994 requiring all religious groups to register with government
religious affairs bureaus and come under the supervision of
official "patriotic" religious organizations.
The "unofficial" Vatican-affiliated Catholic Church claims a
membership far larger than the 4 million persons registered with
the official Catholic Church, although hard figures are hard to
come by. In 1996, unregistered religious groups were subjected
to increased pressure at national direction, but with the degree
of restriction varying significantly in different regions of
China. China's police raided and closed dozens of unregistered
churches, mosques, temples, and seminaries, as well as hundreds
of Protestant "house church" groups. Some leaders of such groups
were detained for lengthy investigation; there were unconfirmed
reports of deaths of detainees by beating.
Drafted by: DRL:AArriaga
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Question:
How do you propose to deal with religious persecution which
may occur in countries friendly to the United States?
Answer:
As you know, a one-size-fits-all approach to our policy with
regard to any issue or region is simply untenable given the
complexity of our world. At the same time, our policy everywhere
must be shaped by a core commitment to our country's values, and
to our long-term interest in a free world.
The U.S. has not hesitated to criticize and seek to change
the human rights practices of its friends and allies within the
framework and with the tactics most suitable to those particular
bilateral relationships. Thus we have, for example, closely
engaged the governments of Russia and the NIS on their treatment
of Jews and other religious minorities, have made clear to
Germany our concerns for the fair treatment of Scientologists,
and have engaged in quiet dialogue with Egypt on the treatment of
its Christian citizens.
We have a range of policy options in dealing with any human
rights situation and will make use of that repertoire of options
in dealing with situations as they arise.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
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Helms #6
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NEA/ENA: TDuffy
Question:
Will you pledge to the Committee that the Administration
will work closely with us to find ways to combat more effectively
religious persecution abroad, and to support meaningful
legislation to that end, if necessary?
Answer:
We look forward to actively exchanging ideas and information
on how to respond to religious persecution around the world, and
will of course be open to discussions of legislation that can
help us reach our shared goals.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
SEARRIAG 695, 1/14/97, 7-1422
Helms #7
Cleared:
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G: JMeer
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H: DKillion
Questions for the Record Submitted by Senator Ashcroft to
Secretary of State Designate Madeleine Albright
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
January 8, 1997
Question:
Last year, the National Association of Evangelicals issued a
Statement of Conscience which outlined disturbing findings about
instances of worldwide religious persecution. I am concerned
about the fact that American tax payers are supporting regimes
where such tragic oppression is occuring. Currently, the U.S.
government gives millions of dollars in aid and supports
multilateral bank loans to countries that routinely persecute or
discriminate against people of various faith. Do you believe
guarantees against religious persecution in a country should be a
condition for U.S. foreign aid or financial guarantees?
Answer:
The United States provides assistance to countries for a
broad range of U.S. national objectives. We require flexibility
if we are to obtain these objectives.
The US Government regularly expresses concerns about
government compliance with international standards on human
rights (including freedom of religion), narcotics, arms
proliferation, and other issues.
In the International Financial Institutions, the US
Government does voice opposition to loans to countries in which
we have serious human rights concerns. In recent years, we have
voiced our concerns and have not voted to support loans to China,
Iran, Mauritania and Sudan. Respect for religious freedom is one
of the criteria in our human rights considerations.
-2-
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, requires the
United States "to promote and encourage respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms throughout the world without distinction
as to race, sex, language, or religion" and stipulates that
"assistance may not be provided to a country the government
of which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of
internationally recognized human rights
"
Countries eligible
to receive US assistance are reviewed for their record of
compliance with internationally recognized human rights
standards.
Drafted by: DRL: :AArriaga
SEARRIAG 695, 1/14/97, 7-1422
Ashcroft #9
Cleared:
DRL: SCoffey
G: JMeer
EB/IFD/ODF:OGrant
P: RSanders
H: DKillion
Question:
In 1996, Congress overwhelmingly responded to public outcry
about worldwide religious persecution with letters and
resolutions -- asking the Administration to take a more active
role. The recent formaton of a State Department Advisory
Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad is a positive step. I
believe, however, that the Administration should take even more
visible and coordinate steps. As Secretary of State, do you
intend to speak out against regimes that persecute people for
their faith?
Answer:
I have throughout my career, and because of my own
experience, never hesitated to call things by their proper names
and speak out in defense of fundamental human freedoms and I have
every intention of continuing to do SO.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
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Question:
Will the new State Department Advisory Committee on
Religious Freedom Abroad have sufficient clout in the
international arena?
Answer:
As you know, the operation of all State Department Advisory
Committees is governed by relevant statutes and regulations which
offer specific guidelines as to the range of their activities.
By law, Advisory Committee members are not themselves diplomats
of the U.S.
The Committee will prove to be an invaluable resource on
specific policy matters as well as on raising the profile of
issues of religious freedom within the U.S. Government. We look
forward to working with Committee members to explore ways in
which the U.S. Government can better address these issues and to
support the activities of nongovernmental organizations working
to promote freedom of religion.
Drafted by: DRL: YMirsky
SEARRIAG 695, 1/14/97, 7-1422
Ashcroft #11
Cleared:
DRL: SCoffey
DRL:AArriaga
G: JMeer
P: RSanders
H:DKillion