events 2009

Release of the 2009 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom

October 27 — In his landmark speech at Cairo University, President Obama articulated his vision for "a new beginning" between the United States and Muslims around the world - a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect. Building stronger ties, he said, requires "a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground." This renewed engagement compels us not to shirk from contentious issues but rather to "face these tensions squarely" and work as partners to solve problems. The Department of State offers its Annual Report on International Religious Freedom in this spirit of dialogue and cooperation. Religion is a global phenomenon; all countries face the challenges and opportunities religious diversity poses, and no country has a perfect record on religious freedom.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that religious freedom provides a cornerstone for every healthy society and empowers faith-based service: “It fosters tolerance and respect among different communities. And it allows nations that uphold it to become more stable, secure and prosperous. As President Obama said in Cairo, freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. These facts underlie our commitment to the cause of religious freedom. That’s why we make the issue of religious freedom a priority in our diplomacy, and this annual report is the centerpiece of our efforts.”

In a section devoted to the Czech Republic, the report says that the Czech Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contribute to the generally free practice of religion. The Government generally respected religious freedom in practice. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the Government during the reporting period.  There were some reports of societal discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Occasional acts and expressions of anti-Semitism were reported among some elements of the population. The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom with the Czech Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.

• International Religious Freedom Report 2009
• International Religious Freedom Report 2009 – Czech Republic
• Remarks by Secretary Hillary Clinton on the report’s release
• President Barack Obama’s remarks at Cairo University (June 2009)