Hearing on FoRB Violations Against Christians Abroad

Jan 13

WHEN:

Jan 13th 10:00am - Jan 13th 12:00pm

 

 

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Hearing on FoRB Violations Against Christians Abroad

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
10:00 AM-12:00 PM ET
Senate Dirksen Office Building, Room 106

Hearing Transcript
Hearing Summary
 

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) held a hearing on Christian persecution abroad. Many governments deny Christian communities the right to worship, teach, and speak about their faith. In all too many cases, Christians are being harassed, imprisoned, or murdered for merely exercising their faith. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the U.S. government take steps to address FoRB violations, including those that impact Christians. 

Witnesses discussed FoRB conditions in select countries where Christians face religious persecution. They illustrated how broad restrictions on FoRB are having particular effects on Christian communities abroad. Witnesses also discussed U.S. government efforts and made recommendations on how to enhance relevant policies.

Opening Remarks

  • Chair Vicky Hartzler, USCIRF
  • Vice Chair Asif Mahmood, USCIRF
    Written Remarks 

Witnesses

  • Grace Drexel, Daughter of Detained Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, China
    Written Testimony
  • Y Phic H'dok, Founder, Montagnards Stand For Justice, Vietnam
    Written Testimony
  • Abdulbaqi Said Abdo, Former Christian religious prisoner of conscience, Egypt
    Written Testimony
    Video Testimony
  • Anonymous Pastor, Chin Community of Burma
    Written Testimony
  • Negede Teklemariam, Jehovah’s Witness, Former Religious Prisoner of Conscience, Eritrea
    Written Testimony
  • Rebecca Dali, Founder, Center for Caring, Empowering and Peace Initiatives; Pastor, Church of the Brethren in Nigeria
    Written Testimony
  • Martha Patricia Molina, Lawyer and Catholic Researcher, Nicaragua
    Written Testimony
  • Aneeqa Maria Anthony, Chief Executive, The Voice Society, Pakistan
    Written Testimony
  • Nourredine Benzid, Former General Secretary; Pastor, Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA), Algeria
    Written Testimony

Submitted for the Record

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. For any additional questions or to schedule an interview, please email [email protected].