The International Religious Freedom Report for 2004 was released on September 15, 2004.
The entire document is here:
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/ opens in new window
Excerpt from the executive summary:
2004 Executive Summary
International Religious Freedom Report
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Religious liberty lies at the heart of a just and free society. Enshrined as both a foundational American value and a universal principle, the right to freedom of religion is also a cornerstone of democracy. It is a vital measure in the creation and maintenance of a stable political system. Conversely, the failure to protect freedom of religion and other fundamental human rights can undermine social order, foster extremism, and lead to instability and violence. Assessing the status of religious freedom can often serve as one helpful diagnostic for the overall health and stability of a nation. For these reasons and others, promoting religious freedom continues to be an essential element of United States foreign policy. President Bush has observed that “successful societies guarantee religious liberty,” and the Administration’s National Security Strategy declares that the U.S. will “take special efforts to promote freedom of religion and conscience and defend it from encroachment by repressive governments.”
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Executive summary:
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/35335.htm opens in new window
