Hearing on Religious Freedom in Eurasia
January 1, 2019
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The Frame
The hearing evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy and international agreements in pressuring nations to protect religious rights, specifically impacting diplomatic relations with Central Asian countries.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Uzbekistan Government
The government is subject to international scrutiny and potential policy shifts regarding its religious freedom reforms.
U.S. Department of State
The department is responsible for issuing annual reports and designating countries as CPCs.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on December 11, 2018, by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
- The OSCE requires its 57 participating states to respect the freedom of individuals to practice religion.
- The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 requires the U.S. President to annually designate 'Countries of Particular Concern' (CPCs) for severe religious freedom violations.
- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have been designated as CPCs since 2016.
- Uzbekistan is identified as the only CPC in the region currently moving toward compliance with international obligations under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
- Senate Resolution 539 was introduced to prioritize U.S. support for ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.
- The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly passed the Berlin Declaration in July 2018, encouraging Uzbekistan to align national policies with international commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Country of Particular Concern' (CPC)?
Why was Uzbekistan mentioned specifically in this hearing?
Why It Matters
The hearing evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy and international agreements in pressuring nations to protect religious rights, specifically impacting diplomatic relations with Central Asian countries.
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Uzbekistan Reform Recognition
The hearing highlights a shift in U.S. diplomatic focus toward Uzbekistan, moving from purely punitive designation to encouraging and supporting specific internal reforms.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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