USCIRF Sent a Delegation to Kyrgyzstan to Assess Religious Freedom

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]