Religious Freedom and Rule of Law in Syria

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

Syria Country Update – This report highlights how the Syrian transitional authorities have failed to protect freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and implement rule of law to protect religious minorities. Both state and nonstate actors have committed acts of sectarian violence, including extrajudicial killings against Alawis, Druze, Christians, and other religious groups. Similarly, the Islamic State group continues to threaten FoRB in Syria, attacking houses of worship and killing worshipers.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Syria as a Country of Particular Concern for particularly severe violations of religious freedom. In 2025, USCIRF published an issue update on post-Assad Syria and held a hearing on religious freedom conditions in Syria.

###

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].

State Restrictions on Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Saudi Arabia:  

Saudi Arabia Country Update – This report assesses the current situation of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Saudi Arabia. The government of Saudi Arabia continues to impose severe limitations on religious freedom, which includes enforcing laws and policies—rooted in a singular, state-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam—that severely impacts Shi’a Muslims, Christians, and religious dissenters. Despite gradual efforts to ease certain FoRB restrictions over the last decade Saudi authorities have yet to bring the country into full compliance with its obligations under international law and allow Saudi citizens to fully manifest FoRB.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Saudi Arabia as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.

### 

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].