USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in the Sahel Region of Africa

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following new report on religious freedom conditions in the Sahel region of Africa:

Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Sahel Region of Africa – This report provides an overview of religious freedom conditions in the Sahel region of Africa and highlights recent developments. The report evaluates the three countries of Sudan, Mali and Niger and discusses violent extremist groups, the fragility of governments, the presence of the armed forces in politics, and ethno-religious clashes in isolated areas. The report notes that the presence of the Wagner Group in the Sahel reduces direct Western influence on counterinsurgency operations there and reflects a new great power competition among non-African states vying to influence the region.

In February 2023, USCIRF released a factsheet on religious freedom concerns in Central Africa. In 2021, USCIRF released a factsheet that highlighted violations against Muslims across Africa.

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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].

USCIRF Releases Report on Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey

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

Examination of Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey – This report examines threats to religious properties in Turkey, including places of worship, religious institutions, and cemeteries. While the number and severity of violent attacks targeting religious sites—such as bombings and other terrorist methods—has decreased over the last decade, there has not been a similar decline in incidents of vandalism and the destruction of religious properties. This research demonstrates denominational differences in the types of threats and attacks faced by various religious communities in Turkey and similarly evaluates the geographic variation that characterizes attitudes towards these communities and their religious sites. The report indicates that reporting and prosecuting these incidents poses a significant challenge for religious communities. Although efforts by the Turkish government and local authorities to restore select religious heritage sites represent an important positive step, such projects remain limited.

In its 2023 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State place Turkey on its Special Watch List. In December 2022, USCIRF released a report documenting the government’s use of criminal blasphemy charges against government critics and individuals perceived to have insulted or mocked Islam.

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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].

USCIRF Condemns Rising Antisemitism in Europe on 85th Anniversary of Kristallnacht

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) solemnly marks the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht by condemning the rising antisemitism in Europe. In 1938, during a violent pogrom now known as Kristallnacht, the Nazi regime demolished and torched synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and homes across Germany and Austria. Today, Jews in Germany and across Europe are facing an exponential rise in antisemitism further exacerbated by Hamas’ early October attack on Israel. In Germany, the number of antisemitic attacks that have taken place in the past four weeks have exceeded the total number of incidents recorded in all of 2022. Many members of the European Jewish community consider the rise in antisemitism to be an existential threat, resulting in a recent surge in Jewish emigration from Europe.

“Antisemitism has once again reared its ugly head throughout Europe. On the anniversary of Kristallnacht, we are reminded to remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism in all its forms. There is no excuse for such violence or antisemitic rhetoric,” said USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper. “USCIRF applauds the German and Austrian leaders for boldly speaking out against the rise of antisemitism; they now must match their rhetoric with action. It is a moral imperative for the U.S. government to work with European leaders to ensure that ‘never again’ really means ‘never again.’”

The type of antisemitic violence occurring today is disturbingly reminiscent of the vandalism and destruction of Jewish homes, businesses, and holy sites that took place under the authority of the Nazis in the late 1930s. Over the past month, perpetrators have vandalized and set on fire a Jewish cemetery in Austria, branded Jewish homes in France with stars of David, and covered Jewish schools in the United Kingdom with red paint. Additionally, synagogues have been vandalized in countries including Portugal, Spain, and France.

The recent wave of vandalism has been accompanied by an increasing number of violent and antisemitic assaults and threats. For example, in France, an individual stabbed a Jewish woman in her home in an attack seemingly motivated by antisemitism. Likewise, an apartment marked by a Jewish mezuzah in Paris was doused with gasoline and set on fire and Jewish schools in the French capital have received bomb threats. In Germany, a synagogue was hit with Molotov cocktails, while in the United Kingdom, there have been several antisemitic assaults targeting Jews.

“It has been 85 years since the violence of Kristallnacht and it is reprehensible that Jews still cannot practice their religion and express their identity openly without fear of discrimination or violence,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie. “Governments must protect Jewish communities from antisemitic assaults and threats, which are on the rise around the world.”

In its 2023 Annual Report, USCIRF noted antisemitic incidents throughout Europe, as well as positive efforts to combat antisemitism globally. In July 2023, USCIRF released a report on religious freedom concerns in the European Union, which highlighted the rise of European antisemitism and other forms of religious discrimination.

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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].