![Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein participates in a Q&A following remarks by Deputy Secretary Antony "Tony" Blinken in regards to the release of the 2015 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on August 10, 2016. [State Department Photo/ Public Domain]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/27/2016/08/28275620784_0bfee191c1_k-1140x684.jpg "28275620784_0bfee191c1_k")
As Secretary Kerry has said, the purpose of this annual report is not to lecture; it is to inform, to encourage, and ultimately, to persuade. Bigotry and intolerance can be found in every part of the world, including the United States. But every country has an obligation to respect religious liberty and freedom of conscience; we encourage every country to do so. This report, which is based on a wealth of objective research, is one of many ways we give life to that advocacy.
Read the full 2015 International Religious Freedom Report at state.gov, and read the Canada chapter here.
