They are countries of "particular concern" for participating or tolerating "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations", the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) claimed in its new report.
Chair, Tenzin Dorjee said: "The freedom to believe as one's conscience dictates is a fundamental human right and vital to the security, stability and economic vitality of any state or region."
Countries of 'particular concern' named by the USCIRF
- Central African Republic
- China
- Eritrea
- Iran
- Nigeria
- Myanmar
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
So-called Islamic State, the Taliban in Afghanistan and al-Shabab in Somalia were among five bodies named by the Commission as "entities of particularly concern" for similar reasons.
Mr Dorjee continued: "In the past year, we have seen severe violations of religious freedom mount around the globe, from the imprisonment of individuals charged with blasphemy in several countries to the internment of over one million Uighur Muslims in China.
"We and others labouring in the realm of religious freedom must persevere in our efforts to make this right a reality for everyone, everywhere."
The Commission, which advises the US President and lawmakers, published the warning in its 20th annual report on religious freedoms.
Additionally, twelve countries were grouped in a 'Tier 2' list where violations are thought to be less serious but still of significant concern: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, and Turkey.
Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia President Vladmir Putin.
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