The United States added China, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, Eritrea, Myanmar, Sudan, Saudi Arabi, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan in its blacklist of nations that violate religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
"In far too many places across the globe, individuals continue to face harassment arrests or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs. The united state will not stand by as spectators in the face of such oppression."
Protecting and promoting international religious freedom is a top foreign policy priority. In 2018 January the US had placed Pakistan on the special watch list for severe violations of religious freedom.
The Us has removed Uzbekistan from the list but placed it on the watchlist. Comoros and Russia have also been added to the special watch list.
The Islamic State group, the Taliban, al-Nusra Front, al-Quaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, al-Shabab, al-Qaeda, Boko-Haram, the Houthis and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Khorasan Province have been designated as "Entities of Particular Concern."
Pompeo said safeguarding religious freedom is vital to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity. "These designations are aimed at improving the lives of individuals and the broader success of their societies. I recognize that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom…The united states remain committed to working with governments civil society organizations and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world.
