International Religious Freedom Report 2007

The United States is not alone in this commitment to religious freedom. The international community has repeatedly declared that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. Such declarations can be found in Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 16 of the Vienna Concluding Document of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Article 12 of the American Declaration of Human Rights of the Organization of American States, and Article 9 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe. Article 18 declares, "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching." Article 18 of the Covenant goes on to state that "No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice."

The Annual Report on International Religious Freedom is a natural outgrowth of our country's history and a current reflection of our values. As Secretary of State Rice has said, "We are mindful that too many people of faith can only whisper to God in the silent sanctuaries of their conscience, because they fear persecution for their religious beliefs." She concludes, "Government simply has no right to stand between the individual and the Almighty." (Full story)

Country Reports for Islands of the Eastern Caribbean:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines