FR 2021-00556

The Federal Register notice titled "Secretary of State's Determinations under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016" relates to actions taken by the Secretary of State concerning international religious freedom. The document indicates that this determination is a component of the U.S. government's broader effort to promote and secure religious freedoms globally, in line with legislation passed in 1998 and later updated in 2016.

General Summary

The document announces that the Secretary of State has made determinations under two key legislative acts: the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. These acts underscore the U.S. commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom worldwide. The notice also provides contact information for Peter Burns of the Office of International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State for those seeking more details.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document is notably sparse in details regarding the specific content or implications of the Secretary's determinations. Individuals interested in understanding the full scope of these actions might find the notice insufficient, as it lacks substantive insights into what the determinations entail or how they will be implemented. Additionally, the contact information provided may require verification to ensure accuracy and current relevance.

Public Impact

From a public perspective, this document highlights the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government to uphold the principle of religious freedom worldwide. This commitment can reinforce the message that religious rights are a priority in international relations and policy-making. As such, it maintains the public expectation that the government will continue to address religious freedom issues abroad.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved in religious freedom advocacy, such as non-governmental organizations and religious institutions, this notice could be seen as a positive affirmation of their cause. However, the lack of specific information may also present challenges for these groups in evaluating how the determinations will influence their efforts or alter the landscape of religious freedom advocacy.

In summary, while the notice serves to affirm the U.S. commitment to global religious freedom, it leaves several questions unanswered about the specific actions and impacts of the Secretary of State's determinations under the referenced acts. Further engagement with the Department of State may be necessary for interested parties to gain a clearer understanding of these determinations' implications.