United States Embassy Algiers, Algeria
August 10, 2016 Contact: AlgiersPress@state.gov
Release of the 2015 International Religious Freedom Report
Today, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken released the State Department’s 2015 International Religious Freedom Report. This annual report, mandated by Congress, documents the status of religious freedom in 200 countries and territories around the world. Respect for religious freedom is a universal human right enshrined in numerous international human rights documents. The concept of religious freedom is also a pillar of U.S. foreign policy and national security strategy. To prepare a comprehensive report on the state of religious freedom in Algeria in 2015, U.S. Embassy officials obtained input from government officials, media, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based organizations. The report addresses government practices and the legal framework pertaining to religious freedom issues, as well as societal respect for religious freedom. The report also summarizes U.S. engagement with Algerian government and civil society actors throughout the year to promote religious freedom and tolerance.
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