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USCIRF is a bipartisan, independent federal government commission in the US.
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It was created by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.
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USCIRF’s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress.
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It gives and annual report of its findings.
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It recommends :
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Countries of particular concern (CPCs) : for engaging in or tolerating “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations.”
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Entities of particular concern (EPCs) : non-state actors cited for similarly severe violations.
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Why in news? US has designated India as country of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.