Rising Anti-Muslim Hatred: FoRB Violations Against Muslims Abroad

May 05

WHEN:

May 5th 10:00am - May 5th 11:30am


U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing

Rising Anti-Muslim Hatred: FoRB Violations Against Muslims Abroad

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM ET
Virtual

Hearing Transcript
Hearing Summary
 

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) held a virtual hearing on anti-Muslim hatred and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) violations against Muslims abroad. 

Muslim communities around the world are facing numerous legal restrictions on the right to practice their faith freely. In recent years, Muslims have experienced a rise in threats, especially where foreign governments have tolerated or perpetrated violence against Muslims or enabled environments that endanger Muslim communities. Also, Muslims have faced religious freedom violations, such as harassment, imprisonment, and death, for deviating from the state’s preferred religious interpretation, even in Muslim majority countries. 

Witnesses addressed the scope of challenges facing Muslims abroad, spoke to personal stories of anti-Muslim hatred and religious freedom restrictions contributing to the rise in threats, and identified policy recommendations by which U.S. policy can advance international religious freedom and the protection of FoRB for Muslims.

Opening Remarks

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

Congressional Remarks

Panel

  • Farid Hafez, Senior Research Fellow, The Bridge Initiative, Georgetown University; Associate Teaching Professor of International Relations, College of William & Mary
    Written Testimony
  • Abdassamad El Yazidi, Chairman, Central Council of Muslims in Germany
    Written Testimony
  • Jewher Ilham, Forced Labor Project Manager, Worker Rights Consortium
    Written Testimony
  • M. Arsalan Suleman, Partner, International Litigation & Arbitration, Foley Hoag LLP
    Written Testimony
  • Tariq Jamil, Islamic Scholar
    Written Testimony  

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. The video recording of the hearing will be posted on the Commission website. For any additional questions or to schedule an interview, please email [email protected].