On June 21, 2019, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo released the 2018 version of the annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – that describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
This year’s report on The Gambia details a climate of broad religious tolerance and acceptance. The report includes U.S. Embassy efforts to decentralize and expand outreach to religious communities. In remarks at an Iftar hosted during the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, Ambassador Paschall noted that just as The Gambia is a leader in religious tolerance and acceptance, it can be a leader on many other significant human rights issues.
The full report, including The Gambia country narrative, can be found online at: https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-report-on-international-religious-freedom/the-gambia/.
