Press Releases
July 24, 2012| by USCIRF
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) mourns the shocking death of Oswaldo Paya, a longtime human rights advocate in Cuba, who was killed on Sunday in an automobile accident.
"Oswaldo Paya was a committed, courageous champion for peaceful,... Read More
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) sent the following letter on July 19, 2012:
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Clinton:
On behalf of the U.S.... Read More
June 7, 2012| by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett , President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, was elected on Wednesday June 6 as Chair of the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Dr. Swett was appointed to the Commission... Read More
June 4, 2012 | by USCIRF
One year ago tomorrow, June 5, the Government of Sudan in Khartoum launched its current brutal campaign against the Nuban people, bombarding civilians and denying humanitarian assistance in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, in gross violation of international human... Read More
May 25, 2012 | by USCIRF
This month marks two important anniversaries that underscore the continuing deterioration of religious freedom and related human rights in Eritrea: the 2007 house arrest of Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch Abune Antonios and the 2002 imposition of onerous registration... Read More
May 24, 2012 | by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on May 23, 2012 announced his appointment of Mary Ann Glendon to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
"USCIRF welcomes Mary Ann Glendon,” said Ambassador Jackie Wolcott, Executive... Read More
5/17/12: New USCIRF Commissioners Appointed
May 17, 2012 | by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC - President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner each have announced one appointment to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). On May 11, 2012, President Obama announced his appointment of the Reverend William J. Shaw to his... Read More
May 10, 2012 | by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC -The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed grave concern over the Kuwaiti Parliament's approval last week of severe new penalties for blasphemy. The Emir of Kuwait has 30 days to approve these penalties before they would... Read More
May 1, 2012 | by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC - - The U.S. Congress has appointed the Honorable Sam Gejdenson to serve as a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) recommended Mr. Gejdenson.
"USCIRF welcomes... Read More
3/28/12: New USCIRF Commissioner Appointed
March 28, 2012 | by USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is pleased to report that the U.S. Congress has appointed Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett as a new Commissioner.
"USCIRF welcomes Dr. Lantos Swett as our newest incoming Commissioner,” said... Read More