USCIRF Marks 27th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marks the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, landmark legislation that enshrined freedom of religion or belief as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy. 

Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, IRFA created enduring mechanisms to advance religious freedom abroad. It established USCIRF as an independent, bipartisan legislative branch federal agency, created an International Religious Freedom Office at the U.S. Department of State along with an Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom who works directly with the Secretary of State. The law mandated monitoring religious freedom abroad, designating countries with particularly severe violations as countries of particular concern (CPC), and providing various presidential actions to encourage foreign governments to secure this right for their people.

“IRFA has allowed the United States to keep a shining light on religious freedom abroad,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “Furthermore, IRFA has brought leaders together from both political parties to confront persecutors and stand with the persecuted. No person anywhere should be denied the fundamental freedom of religion or belief.”

As part of the institutional and policy framework that supports freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF has monitored violations of religious freedom globally and made policy recommendations to the U.S. government to encourage accountability for perpetrators of religious persecution and to support those defending their rights. The Commission continues to call for the full implementation of IRFA, including appointing the Special Advisor to the President on IRF.

“As outlined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of religion or belief,” said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood, “We call for the U.S. government to work with partners, allies, and even adversaries to abide by the UDHR, including releasing those who have been imprisoned simply for peacefully practicing their faith.” 

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF encourages Congress and the administration to continue strengthening IRFA’s legacy through sustained funding, diplomatic prioritization, and designations for religious freedom violators that maintain accountability and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all people.

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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].