The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, often referred to as the IRF Ambassador, plays a vital role in the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom. Pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), the IRF Ambassador is mandated to head the Office of International Religious Freedom, or IRF Office, at the State Department. Additional duties include serving as the principal adviser to the President and Secretary of State on matters involving religious freedom abroad and representing the United States on IRF matters diplomatically. In April, President Trump nominated Mark Walker as the next IRF Ambassador. As religious persecution increases globally, it is urgent that the Senate confirm an IRF ambassador to ensure this issue remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy and globally. 

On today’s episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Hartzler and Vice Chair Mahmood speak with former IRF Ambassadors David Saperstein and Samuel Brownback to reflect on the impact of this position and share recommendations for the next Ambassador. 

Read USCIRF’s Factsheet on Key IRF-Related Positions, along with USCIRF’s Factsheet on IRFA to learn more about the legislation establishing the IRF Ambassador position.

USCIRF Releases Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on refugees fleeing religious persecution:

The Responsibility of Host Countries to Protect Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution - Examples from South and Southeast Asia – As the refugee population increases, including those fleeing religious persecution, more than two-thirds remain in neighboring countries. Cases in South and Southeast Asia, such as Uyghurs in Thailand, Afghans in Pakistan, and the Rohingya in Bangladesh, illustrate the mounting tensions surrounding these vulnerable displaced populations. Despite some states not being signatories to the main international legal instruments protecting refugees, these countries still have obligations to the refugee populations within their borders. Addressing their basic needs can reduce grievances and mitigate the risk of radicalization, which in turn promotes security. This factsheet details states’ legal obligations to protect refugees and provides examples of the conditions and treatment of such refugees across South and Southeast Asia.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF includes recommendations to the U.S. government to improve religious freedom conditions which can help address the root causes that drive migration. USCIRF’s Annual Report also includes broader recommendations for the U.S. government related to refugee policy. USCIRF’s previous efforts focusing on this issue have included a factsheet on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution and a hearing on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution. 

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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] 

Imprisonment, Forced Disappearance, Torture – Tools China uses to Persecute Religious Leaders  

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

China’s Persecution of Religious Leaders – Religious leaders in China, both independent and state-sanctioned, endure egregious religious freedom conditions. Religious leaders must conform to the Chinese Communist Party’s political ideology and submit to the state’s intrusive system of control in order to legally engage in religious activities. Those who refuse to do so face severe punishments, including surveillance, fines, retribution against family members, detention, imprisonment, enforced disappearance, torture, and other forms of mistreatment and abuse. This factsheet provides an overview of the Chinese government’s persecution of religious leaders and highlights recent cases.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State redesignate China as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. In September 2024, USCIRF released a report on China’s “sinicization of religion” policy.

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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]