In China, June is a somber month for those who remember the mass pro-democracy protests across the country and the military’s bloody crackdown in 1989. Remembrance itself is an act of defiance against the suppression and manipulation of history by the Chinese authorities. Each year, events are held worldwide to pay tributes to the victims and their families. What is less widely reported however, is how survivors’ lives have been changed by the tragic events of ‘June 4th’, as the events are known in China. Read Xu Na’s story here.
Peru’s bishops call for “protection of democratic life”
(Photo by Martin Mejia/AP) Catholic bishops of Peru have voiced deep concern over the state of democracy in their South American country, three weeks after a second round of the presidential election produced no clear winner. Thousands of demonstrators went back to the streets in Peru’s major cities last Saturday waving banners that said, “no to communism” and posters of their preferred candidates. The second ballot on June 6 was inconclusive, leaving the country with no officially designated head of state. Read more here.
Stay Informed on IRF Issues with this Podcast
Within the last year the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) launched the weekly podcast series called “USCIRF Spotlight”. During each episode, Director of Outreach and Policy Dwight Bashir features a special guest to dive deeper on various issues and breaking developments that impact the universal right to freedom of religion or belief around the globe. To date, USCIRF has produced 33 fifteen-minute episodes on a wide range of compelling topics such as “Religious Restrictions in Iran”, “Refugee Resettlement and Religious Freedom”, and “Do USCIRF Policy Recommendations Get Implemented?” Listen to episodes on USCIRF’s website, or on most podcast hosting platforms.
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The bi-partisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission promotes, defends, and advocates for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. The Commission undertakes public education activities, provides expert human rights advice, and encourages members of Congress to actively engage in human rights matters.
Bitter Winter is an online magazine on religious liberty and human rights around the World, with a special focus on China.
21Wilberforce’s online advocacy hub is filled with action tools and information that can be used in the defense and advancement of global freedom of religion, belief, and conscience.