CSW testifies on East Asia at Congress

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) testified yesterday at a hearing in the US Congress on international religious freedom, providing evidence of continuing violations in Burma, Indonesia, North Korea, China and Vietnam.

CSW’s East Asia Team Leader, Benedict Rogers, addressed the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, chaired by Congressman Christopher Smith, and highlighted the plight of Buddhist monks in prison in Burma, the Muslim Rohingyas facing persecution, and recent attacks on Kachin Christian churches. He also told the Committee that Burmese authorities in one township in Kachin State had introduced an order requiring Christians to seek permission to pray, fast, read the Bible or hold a Sunday school, 15 days in advance. He concluded, “There is some talk of change in Burma. However, as long as the regime holds Buddhist monks and other prisoners of conscience in jail, attacks civilians in the ethnic states, and violates religious freedom, the United States should maintain pressure and re-designate Burma a Country of Particular Concern.”

Focusing on Indonesia, Benedict Rogers described attacks on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and on Christian churches, and noted that “serious concerns exist over the rule of law”. He called on President Barack Obama to press the President of Indonesia to “uphold religious freedom and the rule of law” when he visits Indonesia over the next few days.

Mr Rogers described the complete absence of religious freedom in North Korea, and called for the establishment of a U.N. Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in North Korea. He urged the United States to increase pressure on China to stop forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees, some of whom are Christians and who, when returned to North Korea, “face severe penalties and violations.”

On China, the cases of Christians in prison, such as Pastor Shi Enhao and Alumijiang Yimiti, were highlighted, along with the plight of Christian human rights lawyers held under house arrest. China’s proposed amendments to the criminal procedure law, which would effectively legalise forced disappearance, were also raised as a cause for serious concern.

Religious freedom in Vietnam remains “fragile,” Mr Rogers told the Committee. He highlighted the imprisonment of Catholic human rights activist Father Nguyen Van Ly and two Protestant lawyers, Mr. Nguyen Van Dali and Ms. Le Thi Cong Nhan, and abuses under the registration system. Forced renunciations continue to occur among ethnic minorities, he added.

Mr Rogers urged the US Congress to re-authorise the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and to continue its leading role in promoting religious freedom around the world.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “Having an opportunity such as this, to testify before the U.S. Congress on international religious freedom violations, is a vital part of our advocacy work. We express our appreciation to Congressman Smith for holding the hearing, and encourage the United States to increase its efforts to help end persecution and promote religious freedom around the world.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. A full video of the hearing and its proceedings can be found here: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearings_livestream.asp

2. A copy of the full written submission is available hereor from the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights.

3. Benedict Rogers spoke alongside former member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of the Diocese of Las Cruces, Rev. Majed El Shafie, President of One Free World International, and Dr. R. Drew Smith, of the Leadership Centre at Morehouse College, and following the Chairman of USCIRF, Leonard Leo.