What are Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and “Special Watch List” (SWL)?

The terms “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and “Special Watch List” (SWL) are designations used by the United States government, specifically by the U.S. Department of State, in relation to religious freedom violations. These designations are part of the broader framework established by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, aimed at promoting religious freedom globally.

1. Country of Particular Concern (CPC)

A Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is a designation given to nations that are found to have engaged in or tolerated “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” These violations include systematic, ongoing, and egregious acts of religious persecution, such as:

• Torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Prolonged detention without charges.
• Abductions, disappearances, or arbitrary arrest.
• Other flagrant denials of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons based on their religion.

Criteria for CPC Designation:

• A country must have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom over time.
• These violations must be systemic, widespread, and reflect a pattern of abuse.

Consequences of CPC Designation:

• Countries designated as CPCs can face diplomatic actions from the U.S., including economic sanctions or other measures to encourage the country to improve its religious freedom practices.
• These actions are at the discretion of the U.S. government, which may also opt to negotiate with the country in question to address the violations.

Examples:

Countries like China, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Eritrea have consistently been designated as CPCs due to their severe restrictions on religious practices and violations of religious freedom.

2. Special Watch List (SWL)

The Special Watch List (SWL) is a second-tier designation below the CPC. Countries placed on this list do not meet the threshold for CPC designation but are still considered to be engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. These violations are serious but may not yet be systematic or egregious enough to warrant CPC status.

Criteria for SWL Designation:

• Countries that tolerate or engage in serious violations of religious freedom but have not yet reached the CPC level.
• The designation serves as a warning, indicating that the country is under observation and that its status could escalate to CPC if conditions worsen.

Consequences of SWL Designation:

• While SWL countries do not face immediate sanctions, the designation raises awareness and puts pressure on the government to address religious freedom issues.
• The SWL is often used as a tool for diplomatic engagement, signaling that the country is on the U.S. radar for its human rights record.

Examples:

Countries like Russia, Pakistan, and Nigeria have been placed on the SWL in the past, as their records on religious freedom have been of concern but not yet severe enough to warrant CPC designation.

Key Differences between CPC and SWL:

• Severity of Violations: CPC countries are engaged in or tolerate the most severe forms of religious persecution, while SWL countries have serious violations but fall short of CPC status.
• Sanctions: CPC designation can lead to sanctions or other diplomatic measures, while SWL is more of a warning mechanism with a lower likelihood of immediate punitive actions.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Both lists are intended to encourage governments to improve religious freedom conditions, with CPC countries facing more immediate and significant consequences if no improvements are made.