2006 Press Releases

Sierra Leone Maintains High Marks in 2006 Report on International Religious Freedom

Freetown
September 18, 2006                                                           
Contact: PAO
Tel: 226481

On September 15^th the United States Department of State released its eighth annual International Religious Freedom report.  The report outlines barriers to and improvements in religious freedom in countries throughout the world. The 197 country and area reports in the publication survey the government and societal treatment of all known religious groups, and discuss U.S. Government efforts to promote religious freedom in each country.
In submitting the report to Congress, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice recalled the events of September 11, 2001 which renewed American determination to honor the highest ideals of democracy and stated, “Religious freedom is deeply rooted in our principals and our history as a nation. And it is now integral to our efforts to combat terrorism and the ideology of hatred that fuels it.”
This year’s report commended Sierra Leone for respecting and fostering freedom of religion by saying, “government policy continued to contribute to the generally free practice of religion.”  Further, “the [Sierra Leone] Government at all levels sought to protect this right in full and did not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors.”
In keeping with U.S. history and international norms, the United States will continue to stand with those seeking the freedom to choose, believe and practice their faith without intimidation and hindrance.
The full text of the 2006 International Religious Freedom report can be found at: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006.