Turkmenistan Continues to Violate Religious Freedom

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:

Turkmenistan Country Update – This report evaluates religious freedom conditions in Turkmenistan, widely considered one of the world’s most closed-off countries. The report begins with background on the regime of President Sedar Berdimuhamedow and his father and former president, Gurbanguly, who rule through a cult of personality that often impacts the religious sphere. Next, the report lays out the laws restricting religious activity in Turkmenistan and highlights religious freedom violations targeting independent Muslims and minority religious groups. Finally, it analyzes the correlation between corruption and such violations.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State continue to designate Turkmenistan as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, egregious, and ongoing violations of religious freedom. In addition, USCIRF recommended the administration lift the existing waiver on penalties as a result of the CPC designation.

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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].

Justice and Accountability Still Lacking Eight Years After the Rohingya Genocide

Washington, DC – Today marks eight years since the Tatmadaw’s brutal military campaign against Rohingya Muslims that killed tens of thousands and displaced over one million. The intent by the Burmese Military Junta to completely eradicate Rohingya Muslims led the U.S. to the genocide designation. These atrocities against the Rohingya continue today, and there is no end in sight to the violence.

“Today we remember the countless lives that the Burmese military destroyed merely because of their religion. We cannot ignore these appalling crimes against humanity,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “USCIRF calls for justice and accountability against the Burmese military and government officials who perpetrated these horrific crimes.”  

USCIRF’s February 2025 hearing on Burma highlighted the humanitarian crisis that continues to impact Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and elsewhere. These displaced people face extreme hardships, residing in overcrowded shelters that provide minimal defense against natural disasters. They are at constant risk of illness and malnutrition due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care. The endemic shortfalls in humanitarian support further expose them to exploitation, human trafficking, and the denial of fundamental rights.

“We are also concerned about the tens of thousands who the Burmese military continues to hold in open-air detention camps in Rakhine state,” said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “The time is now for the Trump Administration to call for an end to the oppression and ongoing brutality that the Rohingya and other religious minorities are facing in Burma.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department designate Burma as a “Country of Particular Concern” for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. 

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity 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].