USCIRF Sent a Delegation to Kyrgyzstan to Assess Religious Freedom

Washington, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Vicky Hartzler and Vice Chair Asif Mahmood led a delegation to Kyrgyzstan in late June to assess religious freedom in the country. 

“We appreciated the opportunity to discuss religious freedom issues with Kyrgyz government officials, religious leaders, and members of civil society,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “We urge the U.S. government to continue to monitor implementation of recent amendments to the religion law and raise freedom of religion or belief in its engagements with Kyrgyz leaders.”

Since 2024, USCIRF has recommended that the U.S. Department of State place Kyrgyzstan on its Special Watch List due to the government’s ongoing and systematic violations of freedom of religion or belief. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF found that the Kyrgyz government continued to penalize peaceful religious practices, as well as enforce and expand legislation that violates international standards. 

“USCIRF sought to assess the impact of the recent amendments to the religion law. These amendments signify the securitization of the religious sphere in Kyrgyzstan through new legal provisions that restrict FoRB,” said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “These restrictions will only harm the Kyrgyzstan people’s ability to live according to their conscience while risking greater instability.”

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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 Reiterates Calls for Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues

U.S. Government Cannot Allow China to Interfere in the Dalai Lama’s Succession

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reiterates its call for the U.S. Department of State to swiftly appoint the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. On July 2, ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced that his foundation, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the sole authority to select his successor, whom Tibetan Buddhists believe will be a reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama. The Chinese government, however, intends to select and install its own successor, arguing that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation must comply with Chinese law.

“Only religious communities have the right to determine and appoint their own spiritual leaders—free of government interference,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “The Chinese government’s arbitrary appointment of Tibetan Buddhist and other religious leaders directly contravenes international standards for freedom of religion or belief and must be universally condemned.”

The Chinese government severely represses Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, authorities abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, and installed its own pick for the position. Chinese authorities in Tibet routinely detain and forcibly disappear monks and laypersons for religious activities honoring the Dalai Lama, listening to his teachings, or possessing his portraits, with many receiving lengthy prison sentences. Once imprisoned, individuals are reportedly subjected to political reeducation, torture, forced labor, and medical neglect.

“USCIRF urges the Trump administration to swiftly appoint the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department to keep the human rights situation of the Tibetan people a priority in U.S. foreign policy,” said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “This Special Coordinator is needed now more than ever given China’s ongoing efforts to violate the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists and interfere in the Dalai Lama’s plan for succession.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department designate China as a Country of Particular Concern for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. In September, USCIRF released a report on China’s sinicization of religion policy, which is used to justify egregious human rights abuses against religious groups.

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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]