Iraq’s religious communities face ongoing challenges 11 years after the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) waged genocide against religious and ethnic minorities. Iraq has improved some FoRB conditions while falling short in others, such as blasphemy laws and changes to personal status legislation. The widespread failure to curb the growing power of Iran-affiliated militias and other malign actors remains a persistent threat to the security and existence of various religious communities. 

Religious freedom conditions in Iran are particularly severe. The government invokes its own interpretation of Islam to deny religious freedom to citizens who dissent through peaceful protest, including women and girls who oppose mandatory hijab policies. It also systematically targets religious minorities - including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, and Sunni Muslims - and it has intensified its religious crackdown amid ongoing internal strife and regional conflicts. 

The government in Eritrea systematically persecutes individuals for their faith and only permits four recognized religions to register. The government continues to imprison hundreds of Christians and dozens of Jehovah's Witnesses, many of whom face violence – including torture – and harsh prison conditions without access to adequate health care. Government officers apprehend religious conscientious objectors and hold them in military camps indefinitely where they endure various punishments.