Jan 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 16, 2013| By USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- USCIRF today called for the immediate release of Saeed Abedeni, an Iranian-American pastor reportedly awaiting a January 21 trial on trumped-up…
Jan 28, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 28, 2013 | By USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "The trial and conviction of Pastor Abedini represent an outrageous miscarriage of justice and yet one more damning piece of evidence pointing to…
Mar 13, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 13, 2013 | By USCIRF
WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) yesterday met with family members of Baha'is unjustly imprisoned in Iran. These family…
Apr 30, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 30, 2013| By USCIRF
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal advisory body created by the International Religious Freedom…
May 21, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 21, 2013 | By USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today welcomed the State Department's release of its 2012 International Religious Freedom…
Sep 23, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 23, 2013 | By USCIRF
Religious Freedom: Iran's Litmus Test
Washington, D.C. - On the eve of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's first ever address to the United Nations General Assembly…
Jul 7, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2014 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC – As Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, Uighur Muslims in China face far-reaching restrictions on their religious practices. …
Sep 25, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2014 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the life sentence handed down to respected Uighur Muslim scholar…
Oct 30, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 30, 2014 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the recent formal arrest of Wu Zeheng, also known as Buddhist Zen…
Nov 10, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 10, 2014 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two anniversaries this month highlight the importance of continually confronting and combatting anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it arises.…
Mar 18, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 18, 2015 | USCIRF
Washington, D.C. – As the Iranian government prepares to respond on March 19 to recommendations made during the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) Universal Periodic Review…
Jun 18, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 18, 2015
For Uighur Muslims in China’s autonomous region of Xinjiang, observing Ramadan – a month-long period of introspection, fasting, prayer, and devotion – is difficult, if not…
Aug 3, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 3, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) this week marks the two-year anniversary of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s assumption of…
Sep 22, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) solemnly marks the one-year anniversary of the life sentence handed down to Chinese Uighur…
Sep 22, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) marks the three-year anniversary of the imprisonment in Iran of Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-…
Apr 20, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes Secretary of State John Kerry’s re-designation on April 15, 2016 of Burma,…
Jul 6, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Muslims around the world mark the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Aug 31, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Religious freedom conditions in China have deteriorated under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. Given this deterioration, the U.S.…
Dec 23, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The UN General Assembly on December 19 passed its 14th consecutive resolution which included a condemnation of the Iranian government’s actions against the…
Apr 25, 2017
Click here to read the Chinese translation of the letter. Click here to read the Tibetan translation of the letter.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2017
OPEN LETTER FROM USCIRF…
May 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2017
IRAN: Release Maryam Naghash Zargaran
Commissioner Cliff May Says Religious Prisoners of Conscience “Should be honored for their contributions to society rather…
Jul 5, 2017
Click here to see coverage from The Economist on USCIRF's press release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2017
CHINA: USCIRF Condemns Ramadan Restrictions in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region
“The Chinese government…
Jul 13, 2017
Click here to read Vice Chair Jolley's letter to Gulmira Imin.
Click here to read the Uyghur translation of the letter to Gulmira Imin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2017
Open Letter from…
Aug 3, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2017
USCIRF Condemns Egypt’s Deportation of Uighur Muslims to China
“These latest moves show a calculated indifference to the Uighur Muslim community”
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S…
Aug 10, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2017
IRAN: Religious Prisoner of Conscience Maryam Naghash Zargaran Released
Case Exemplifies Iran’s “Flagrant Disregard for Religious Freedom”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The…
Sep 20, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 20, 2017
IRAN: Mahvash Sabet, Religious Prisoner of Conscience, Released
USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Arriaga cites Sabet’s “courage in the face of persecution and dedication to her faith”…
Feb 23, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 23, 2018
USCIRF Concerned by Denial of Lautenberg Refugees from Iran
“These refugees face the imminent danger of return to Iran, where the already dire situation for religious…
Feb 28, 2018
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) mourns the sudden passing of Chinese human rights lawyer Dr. Li Baiguang, a devoted advocate for religious freedom who represented falsely accused…
Apr 24, 2018
Click here for a Chinese translation of this letter
Click here for a Tibetan translation of this letter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2018
Open Letter from USCIRF Commissioner Tenzin Dorjee to the Panchen Lama on…
May 14, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2018
CHINA: USCIRF Deeply Concerned About Increasing Repression of Uighur Muslims
“The Chinese government’s restrictions on Uighur Muslims are an attempt to assimilate a besieged…
Aug 1, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 1, 2018
USCIRF Condemns Detentions of Iranian House Church Pastor and Congregants
Chair Dorjee said, “Pastor Nadarkhani and his fellow church members should be immediately…
Sep 11, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 11, 2018
USCIRF Highly Concerned by Latest Chinese Government Abuses Against Religious Communities
USCIRF is highly concerned by reports of Chinese authorities’…
Oct 5, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2018
USCIRF Calls for Release of Prisoner of Conscience as White House Takes Harder Line on Religious Freedom Violations in China
Christian Underground Church Leader Hu…
Oct 10, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2018
Open Letter from USCIRF Commissioner Nadine Maenza to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
Click here to read the Farsi translation of the letter
October 2018
Washington, D.C…
Oct 16, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2018
USCIRF Strongly Condemns Codification of Repression in Western China
“This is a deeply troubling development because it signals that the Chinese
government believes it…
Oct 24, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2018
Vice Chair Manchin Adopts Two Religious Prisoners of Conscience
“…concrete examples of the Iranian regime’s abysmal treatment of those who seek to exercise their…
Nov 28, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2018
USCIRF Calls for Release of Iranian Prisoner of Conscience Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee
USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin calls for Iraee’s release on the International Day for…
Dec 12, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2018
State Department Names the World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedom
USCIRF Praises CPC Designation of Pakistan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on…
Dec 12, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2018
USCIRF Statement on Chinese Authorities’ Crackdown on Early Rain Covenant Church Pastor and Congregants
USCIRF is extremely concerned by reports that on…
Dec 20, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2018
USCIRF Welcomes Enactment of Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Dec 21, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2018
Open Letter from USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin to Mohammad Ali Taheri
Washington, D.C. –
Mohammad Ali Taheri,
I am writing to you in my capacity as the Vice…
Jan 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2019
USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin Calls for Immediate Release of Iranian Prisoner of Conscience Mohammad Ali Taheri
WASHINGTON, DC – Gayle Manchin, Vice Chair of the…
Feb 15, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2019
As Uighur Muslims Demand Video Evidence of Loved Ones, USCIRF Chair Tenzin Dorjee Calls on China to Release Prisoner of Conscience Gulmira Imin
WASHINGTON, DC –…
Mar 11, 2019
USCIRF Commissioner Andy Khawaja Adopts Religious Prisoner of Conscience Robert Levinson
12th Anniversary Passes for Missing American Who Disappeared in Iran
WASHINGTON, DC – Andy Khawaja, Commissioner…
Apr 8, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2019
USCIRF Commissioners Adopt American Pastor David Lin Through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project
WASHINGTON, DC – Kristina Arriaga and Tony Perkins…
Apr 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 25, 2019
Open Letter to the Missing Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima on His 30th Birthday
Your Holiness Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima,
Tashi Delek or Happy 30th Birthday…
May 10, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2019
USCIRF Strongly Urges Administration to Raise Religious Freedom Violations in China Trade Talks
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International…
May 23, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2019
USCIRF Statement on Senate Committee’s Holding China’s Human Rights Abusers Accountable
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s…
Jun 4, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2019
On Tiananmen Square Anniversary, USCIRF Calls for Sanctions on Officials Responsible for Religious Freedom Violations
WASHINGTON, DC – On the 30th anniversary of the…
Jul 2, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2, 2019
USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins to Advocate for Release of Imprisoned Uighur Muslim Dilshat Perhat Ataman
WASHINGTON, DC – Tony Perkins, chair of the United States…
Jul 16, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2019
USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin Calls on Iran to Cease Harassment and Threats Against Prisoner of Conscience Mohammad Ali Taheri
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States…
Jul 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 25, 2019
USCIRF Vice Chair Nadine Maenza Calls for Release of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
WASHINGTON, DC – Nadine Maenza, Vice Chair of the United States Commission…
Aug 5, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2019
USCIRF Commissioner Gary Bauer Calls for Release of Imprisoned Underground Church Leader Hu Shigen
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International…
Aug 8, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8, 2019
USCIRF Commissioner Tenzin Dorjee Calls for Release of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Gulmira Imin
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International…
Sep 16, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a report on the Chinese government’s use of surveillance cameras,…
Oct 1, 2019
On China’s National Day, USCIRF Urges U.S. Government to Take Action on Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, also known as National Day. The…
Oct 10, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2019
USCIRF Urges Congress to Pass Tibetan Policy and Support Act,
Welcomes Recent Measures to Protect Religious Freedom in China
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States…
Oct 17, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2019
USCIRF Releases New Reports on Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Iran
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Nov 4, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2019
USCIRF Supports Sanctions on Iranian Official Responsible for Baha’i Persecution
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission…
Nov 12, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 12, 2019
USCIRF Advocacy for Robert Levinson Spurs New Development in Iran
U.S. State Department Also Intensifies Efforts to Free Levinson
WASHINGTON, DC – Months…
Dec 4, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2019
USCIRF Welcomes House Passage of the Uighur Intervention and Global Humanitarian Unified Response Act of 2019, Urges Swift Passage in the Senate
WASHINGTON, DC…
Dec 5, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 5, 2019
USCIRF Condemns Arrests of Baha’is During Iran Protests
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the…
Dec 23, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2019
USCIRF Welcomes Sanctions Against Iranian “Hanging Judges” Responsible for Severe Religious Freedom Violations
Washington, DC – The U.S.…
Jan 13, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2020
USCIRF Concerned for Welfare of Iran’s Religious Minorities Amidst Heightened Protest Activity
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on…
Jan 29, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2019
USCIRF Condemns Iranian Government Measures Targeting Baha’is
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Jan 30, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2019
USCIRF Welcomes Passage of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act in House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International…
Feb 20, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2020
USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on China’s Regulation of Religious Groups
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Mar 13, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2020
USCIRF Condemns Use of Uighur Muslim Forced Labor in China and Urges Congressional Response
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (…
Mar 26, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2020
USCIRF Saddened Over Presumed Death of Robert Levinson, Calls on Iran to Repatriate Him and Free Religious Prisoners of Conscience
Washington, DC – The United States Commission…
Apr 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2020
USCIRF Outraged Over China Selection to UN Human Right Council Consultative Group
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Apr 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2020
USCIRF Religious Prisoner of Conscience Mr. Mohammed Ali Taheri Granted Asylum in Canada
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Apr 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2020
USCIRF Calls for Release of the Panchen Lama
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today reiterated its call for the…
Apr 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2020
USCIRF Commends U.S. Holocaust Museum Spotlight on China
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commended the decision of…
May 14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2020
USCIRF Welcomes Decision to Prevent Federal Retirement Savings from Being Invested in Chinese Corporations
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious…
Jun 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2020
USCIRF Celebrates President Trump’s Signature of Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Jun 26, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2020
USCIRF Expresses Concern about National Security Legislation’s Threat to Religious Freedom in Hong Kong
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious…
Jun 30, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2020
USCIRF Warns that Forced Sterilization of Uyghur Muslims is Evidence of Genocide
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) warned…
Jul 1, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2020
USCIRF Welcomes Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today welcomed the decision by the…
Jul 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2020
USCIRF Applauds Global Magnitsky Sanctions Against Senior Chinese Officials
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Aug 12, 2020
USCIRF Releases Iran Factsheet Highlighting Senior Sanctioned Officials Responsible for Egregious Religious Freedom Violations
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Sep 15, 2020
USCIRF Welcomes Import Ban against Xinjiang Firms
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today welcomed the decision by the U.S. Customs and Border…
Sep 22, 2020
USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel Named to TIME’s Annual TIME100 List of 100 Most Influential People in the World
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Sep 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USCIRF Welcomes House Passage of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the House of…
Oct 15, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USCIRF Welcomes the Appointment of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Nov 19, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USCIRF Supports Sanctions on Iran’s Intelligence Minister and Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (…
Dec 16, 2020
USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore Adopts Jimmy Lai through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Johnnie…
Dec 22, 2020
USCIRF Condemns Harsh Sentence for Christian Bookseller Chen Yu
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the harsh and disproportionate sentence handed down…
Dec 29, 2020
USCIRF Welcomes Enactment of the Tibet Policy and Support Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commends President Donald J. Trump for signing the Tibetan…
Jan 15, 2021
USCIRF Condemns Crackdown on Baha’i Religious Observance, Land Ownership in Iran
Washington, D.C. - The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the alarming escalation of…
Jan 19, 2021
USCIRF Applauds State Department Designation of Uyghur Muslims’ Treatment in China as Genocide
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) applauds the U.S. Department…
Jan 27, 2021
USCIRF Condemns Mistreatment of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Golrokh Iraee in Iran
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns Iranian authorities’…
Feb 24, 2021
USCIRF Condemns Killing of Gonabadi Sufi Activist by Iranian Officials
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns in the strongest terms the deliberate medical…
Mar 16, 2021
USCIRF Releases New Report about Shari’a and LGBTI Persons
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following factsheet on governments’ use of…
Mar 23, 2021
USCIRF Applauds Coordinated Sanctions Against Xinjiang Officials
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) applauds the coordinated sanctions that the United States,…
Mar 29, 2021
USCIRF Condemns the Chinese Government’s Sanctions on USCIRF Commissioners
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the Chinese government’s…
Apr 21, 2021
USCIRF Releases 2021 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy
No Longer Recommends Three Countries for Special Watch List
Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom…
Apr 23, 2021
USCIRF Reiterates Call to Release the Panchen Lama
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today reiterated its call for the Chinese government to release …
Apr 26, 2021
USCIRF Condemns Additional Prison Sentence for Iranian Religious Prisoner of Conscience
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the government of…
May 10, 2021
USCIRF Condemns Iran’s Crackdown on Baha’i Community
Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the Iranian government’s alarming escalation of…