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WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 22, 2006) –
Even two months after its release, the second annual report
on the status of human rights of Hindus in South Asia, Afghanistan
and Fiji by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) continues
to receive widespread support and endorsements. The report
that was simultaneously released internationally by Global
Human Rights Defence at The Hague has been distributed to
several legislators, human rights organizations and numerous
academic institutions. HAF already plans further discussions
on specific content from the report in face-to-face meetings
with legislators and members of the Bush Administration during
meetings in September.
“We have truly been humbled by the
outpouring of support this report has received,” said
Ishani Chowdhury, Executive Director of HAF. “Our goal
has always been to raise awareness of human rights violations
against Hindus that are too often overlooked or unrecognized—we
are gratified that we are moving towards realizing that goal.”
The report that was released at a press conference
hosted by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) was also initially endorsed
by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and several other members of the
House of Representatives. Since then, Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA),
a senate member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus (CHRC)
and leader of the Congressional Working Group on Religious
Freedom, issued his own statement supporting HAF’s efforts
to highlight the violations of human rights in several countries.
“The 2005 human rights report of the
Hindu American Foundation is a valuable resource for those
of us concerned about religious freedom and human rights for
all people around the world,” said Senator Santorum.
“I am grateful for this report that brings needed attention
to the many instances of discrimination, harassment, violence,
and destruction of temples and property experienced by Hindus
in South Asia, especially in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Its recommendations will be useful as we seek to ensure the
right of all people in all places to practice their religion
in peace, absent from discrimination and persecution."
The report was featured widely in the press
in Fiji and Australia as this was the first report to specifically
highlight instances of religious intolerance, temple vandalism
and attempts to politically marginalize many Hindus. The report
was carried widely in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi media
as well.
“We are grateful to have the support
of Sen. Santorum and other leaders who are part of the CHRC,”
said Chowdhury. “Our goal is now to encourage the CHRC
to hold hearings to further investigate the facts established
in this report and gain their sponsorship on congressional
resolutions condemning the ongoing abuses in various countries.”
The Hindu American Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3), non-partisan organization, promoting the Hindu
and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism.
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