By Mikhail Bell

In late July, the U.S.  State Department published its latest assessment of religious freedom’s status around the world. Traditionally IRD has focused our reportage on East Asia and Africa.  But this year’s list, released on July 30, covered a small country with a long history:  Albania.

The annual report is mandated by law under the International Religious Freedom Act. The focus on the right to religious freedom is also in keeping with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 18, which states:

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

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