The term “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) is a formal designation used by the United States government, especially under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, to identify countries that engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
In Simple Terms:
A Country of Particular Concern is one where the government is seriously violating people’s right to practice their religion freely through persecution, discrimination, imprisonment, or violence and where those abuses are persistent and state-sanctioned or tolerated.
Criteria for Designation:
A country may be designated as a CPC if it is found to be responsible for or tolerating acts such as:
* Imprisoning or killing people because of their religion or belief.
* Forcing people to renounce or change their faith.
* Restricting religious gatherings, worship, or expression.
* Allowing mobs or militias to attack people based on religion without consequences.
Who Makes the Designation:
The U.S. Secretary of State makes the designation annually, based on recommendations from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Consequences:
When a country is labeled a CPC, the U.S. government may:
Impose sanctions or restrictions.
Limit aid or arms sales.
Engage in diplomatic pressure or negotiations to improve conditions.
Countries often designated as CPCs in recent years include:
China — for persecution of Uyghur Muslims and other religious minorities.
Iran — for targeting Christians, Baha’is, and Sunni Muslims.
North Korea — for total suppression of religious activity.
Myanmar (Burma) — for violence against the Rohingya Muslims.
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