The religious freedom situation in Azerbaijan remains highly restricted. The government subjects virtually all religious practices to intrusive state oversight. Shi'a Muslims who do not operate within the government's preferred boundaries have faced imprisonment on dubious charges. Armenian religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions remain threatened since Azerbaijan regained control. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State maintain Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.

On today’s episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck, Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi, and Commissioner Vicky Hartzler join Director of Research and Policy Guillermo Cantor to discuss their recent travels to Azerbaijan.

Read USCIRF’s 2025 Annual Report Chapter on Azerbaijan and USCIRF’s most recent Azerbaijan Country Update.

USCIRF Expresses Gratitude to Outgoing Commissioner Susie Gelman

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expresses sincere gratitude to Susie Gelman for her dedication to advancing freedom of religion or belief abroad during her time as a USCIRF Commissioner. 

“It has been a privilege working with Susie Gelman as a fellow Commissioner, and we wish her well as she concludes her term,” said Chair Stephen Schneck. “The work of the Commission greatly benefitted from her invaluable contributions and insight from her years of experience working with religious communities, in particular the Jewish community. On a personal note, I shall miss her wisdom and friendship.”

Susie Gelman has made significant contributions to the field of religious freedom and related fields. During her time at the Commission, she participated in many USCIRF-held hearings, external events, and Congressional briefings. 

“It was an honor to work with Susie Gelman on our shared commitment to protecting religious freedom abroad,” said Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik. “As USCIRF bids farewell to Susie, the Commission looks forward to continuing its mission promoting policies that protect this fundamental freedom for everyone, inspired by her commitment and leadership.”

USCIRF is comprised of nine private sector Commissioners who volunteer their time to support USCIRF’s mandate. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 mandates that three Commissioners are selected by the President of the United States, three from the U.S. Senate, and three from the U.S. House of Representatives.

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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].

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].