USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Secure FoRB Commitments from Qatar

USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Secure FoRB Commitments from Qatar

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges President Donald J. Trump to raise religious freedom concerns during his visit to Qatar. Despite Qatari authorities’ efforts to highlight its religious tolerance promotion, Qatar’s restrictions on the Baha’i community and other religious minorities have become increasingly systematic. In addition to last week’s detention of Baha’i religious leader Remy Rowhani, members of the Dawoodi Bohra Shi’a Muslim minority continue to face religious freedom restrictions.

“The Qatari government’s concerning escalation of actions against members of minority religious communities undercuts its claims of progress toward religious tolerance. Governments cannot target religious communities and claim to advance religious freedom,” said Chair Stephen Schneck. “U.S. allies should embrace a full commitment to freedom of religion or belief.”

Last month, Qatari authorities detained Mr. Rowhani without charges after having previously arrested him at Doha International Airport in January 2025. A Qatari court previously tried Rowhani in 2021 when he was the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Qatar, for purported violations of finance laws. 

“Remy Rowhani’s release, particularly given his declining health, and greater religious freedom for all of Qatar’s religious communities, should be priorities for the U.S. government,” said Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik. “During this visit to Doha, the U.S. government should seek to secure commitments from Qatar to cease the targeting of religious minorities.”

Baha’is in Qatar have faced restrictions based on their religion for decades including non-renewal of residency visas, the destruction of a Baha’i cemetery, job discrimination, and family separations. Furthermore, members of the Bohra Shi’a Muslim minority have been subject to arbitrary arrests, interrogation, and increased surveillance for their religious identity.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].