Displaying results 1 - 72 of 72

USCIRF's 2013 Annual Report on the State of International Religious Freedom Identifies World's Worst Violators
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…
USCIRF Concerned about Russian Blasphemy Bill and the Status of Freedoms of Religion and Expression
Jun 28, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 28, 2012 | By USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Russian State Duma on June 26 passed a controversial bill on "causing offense to the sentiments of religious believers." The bill now awaits only…
RUSSIA: An Expanding Net of Intolerance
Feb 5, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2014 | USCIRF The upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics has thrust Russia into the world spotlight. The Kremlin’s increasing intolerance, however, deserves equal, if not greater, attention.…
The Continued Need to Combat Anti-Semitism
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.…
Crimea: Religious Freedom Abuses Must Stop
Mar 18, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2016   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two years ago today, Russia unlawfully annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, cynically using the Orthodox “culture, civilization, and…
RUSSIA: USCIRF Condemns Enactment of Anti-Terrorism Laws
Jul 8, 2016 Click here to view this press release in Russian.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2016   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 7 signed into law a package of anti-terrorism…
CUBA: After Fidel Castro
Dec 2, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2016   WASHINGTON, DC – With the passing of Fidel Castro on November 25, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the Cuban government to take a…
RUSSIA: Russia Suspends Jehovah’s Witnesses
Apr 3, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2017 RUSSIA:  Russia Suspends Jehovah’s Witnesses USCIRF Condemns Actions That Would Eliminate the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Legal Existence in Russia Washington, D.C. –  Russia…
RUSSIA: Supreme Court Outlaws the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Apr 20, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2017 RUSSIA:  Supreme Court Outlaws the Jehovah’s Witnesses USCIRF Condemns Russian Supreme Court Decision Banning the Jehovah’s Witnesses WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The U.S.…
CUBA: USCIRF Condemns the Expulsion of Félix Yuniel Llerena López from the University of Cuba
May 9, 2017 CUBA: USCIRF Condemns the Expulsion of Félix Yuniel Llerena López from the University of CubaUSCIRF Calls on the University to Reinstate Félix as a Student and for the Castro Government to Cease Its Harassment of Him…
RUSSIA: Release Bagir Kazikhanov
May 19, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2017   RUSSIA: Release Bagir Kazikhanov   USCIRF Commissioner John Ruskay tells the Russian Government to “Stop Equating Peaceful Religious Behavior with Terrorism…
RUSSIA: Jehovah’s Witnesses Banned After Supreme Court Rejects Appeals
Jul 17, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2017 RUSSIA: Jehovah’s Witnesses Banned After Supreme Court Rejects Appeals USCIRF Condemns the Banning of the Jehovah’s Witnesses WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on…
Open Letter from USCIRF Commissioner John Ruskay to Bagir Kazikhanov
Jul 26, 2017 Commissioner John Ruskay sent the following letter to Russian religious prisoner of conscience Bagir Kazikhanov.Click here to read the Russian translation of the letter.       July 26, 2017…
Press Release: USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Kristina Arriaga Testifies Before the House Oversight Committee
Oct 11, 2017  USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Kristina Arriaga Testifies Before the House Oversight Committee Arriaga tells Members that religious freedom violations “have security implications for the United States"  …
Vice Chair Arriaga Adopts Two Religious Prisoners of Conscience
Sep 26, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2018   Vice Chair Arriaga Adopts Two Religious Prisoners of Conscience Vice Chair Arriaga said, “These two cases are examples of the Russian government ‘securitizing’ religion…
USCIRF Statement on Tomorrow’s Hearing of Russian Prisoner of Conscience Ivan Matsitsky
Nov 27, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2018     USCIRF Statement on Tomorrow’s Hearing of Russian Prisoner of Conscience Ivan Matsitsky WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International Religious…
USCIRF Calls on Cuba to Cease Harassment of Religious Leaders, Strengthen Religious Freedom Language in New Constitution
Dec 11, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2018     USCIRF Calls on Cuba to Cease Harassment of Religious Leaders, Strengthen Religious Freedom Language in New Constitution   Current Draft Weakens…
State Department Names the World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedom
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…
USCIRF Condemns Russian Conviction of Danish Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen
Feb 7, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2019     USCIRF Condemns Russian Conviction of Danish Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Proof of Putin Escalating Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, says Vice Chair…
USCIRF Condemns Cuban Authorities’ Crackdown on Homeschooling Pastor and Wife
Apr 24, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2019 USCIRF Condemns Cuban Authorities’ Crackdown on Homeschooling Pastor and Wife   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
USCIRF Condemns Russian Court’s Decision to Uphold Conviction of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen
May 23, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2019 USCIRF Condemns Russian Court’s Decision to Uphold Conviction of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Decision reflects growing dangers faced by Russia’s…
USCIRF Statement on Cuba Preventing Religious Leaders from Attending International Religious Freedom Meeting
Jul 16, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Cuba Preventing Religious Leaders from Attending International Religious Freedom Meeting   WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the prohibition of…
USCIRF Statement on Travel Ban for Russian Religious Freedom Violators
Sep 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC (September 13, 2019) -- In response to the U.S. State Department’s recent decision to publicly designate Russian officials Vladimir Petrovich Yermolayev and Stepan Vladimirovich Tkach, as well as their…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Cuba
Mar 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 10, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Cuba   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
USCIRF Welcomes the Release of Ayda Expósito, Calls for Release of Other Religious Prisoners of Conscience in Cuba
Apr 3, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2020 USCIRF Welcomes the Release of Ayda Expósito, Calls for Release of Other Religious Prisoners of Conscience in Cuba Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International…
USCIRF Condemns Russian Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jun 15, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Condemns Russian Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemned the recent increase in harsh…
USCIRF Applauds Russian Court’s Parole of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen
Jun 23, 2020 USCIRF Applauds Russian Court’s Parole of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the decision of a Russian District…
USCIRF Welcomes the Release of Pastor Ramón Rigal, Calls for Release of Roberto Jesus Quinones Haces
Jul 1, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Welcomes the Release of Pastor Ramón Rigal, Calls for Release of Roberto Jesus Quinones Haces Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen
Jul 2, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed…
USCIRF Releases Report on the Anti-cult Movement and Religious Regulation in Russia and Central Asia
Jul 17, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Releases Report on the Anti-cult Movement and Religious Regulation in Russia and Central Asia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen
Oct 27, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report about Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
USCIRF Welcomes U.S. House Passage of Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act
Nov 20, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Welcomes U.S. House Passage of Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the passage by the U.S.…
USCIRF Releases Groundbreaking Report on the Enforcement of Blasphemy Laws Globally
Dec 9, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: USCIRF Releases Groundbreaking Report on the Enforcement of Blasphemy Laws Globally WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Santería in Cuba
Feb 22, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report about Santería in Cuba   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following factsheet on the Santería tradition in…
USCIRF Releases 2021 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy
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…
USCIRF Condemns the Detention of Religious Leaders Amid Protests in Cuba
Jul 13, 2021 USCIRF Condemns the Detention of Religious Leaders Amid Protests in Cuba Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) denounced the detention of religious leaders during…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Protests in Cuba and Religious Freedom
Sep 20, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report about Protests in Cuba and Religious Freedom Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following factsheet on the July 11…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Russia’s Republic of Chechnya
Oct 26, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Russia’s Republic of Chechnya Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report on religious freedom…
USCIRF Appalled at Administration’s Removal of Nigeria from List of Violators of Religious Freedom
Nov 17, 2021 USCIRF Appalled at Administration’s Removal of Nigeria from List of Violators of Religious Freedom Welcomes State Department’s Additional Designations of Russia and Algeria Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious…
USCIRF Concerned by Russian Prosecution of International Memorial Society
Dec 22, 2021 USCIRF Concerned by Russian Prosecution of International Memorial Society Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed its grave concern today over the Russian…
USCIRF Warns of Potential for Significant Religious Oppression in Ukraine
Mar 16, 2022 USCIRF Warns of Potential for Significant Religious Oppression in Ukraine Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is appalled by the incalculable suffering already…
USCIRF Releases 2022 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy
Apr 25, 2022 USCIRF Releases 2022 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy  Recommends Afghanistan as Country of Particular Concern Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious…
USCIRF Welcomes Release of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen
Jun 10, 2022 USCIRF Welcomes Release of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of prisoner of…
USCIRF Welcomes European Court Judgment Against Russia on Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jun 21, 2022 USCIRF Welcomes European Court Judgment Against Russia on Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the European Court of Human Rights (…
USCIRF Releases Report on the New Constitution and Religious Freedom in Cuba
Jul 5, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on the New Constitution and Religious Freedom in Cuba Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a new report titled “…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Tolerance Promotion and Religious Freedom
Dec 13, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Tolerance Promotion and Religious Freedom Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Tolerance, Religious Freedom…
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Cuba
Dec 21, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Cuba Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Cuba Country Update – This report provides an overview of…
USCIRF Concerned by Religious Freedom Implications of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 24, 2023 USCIRF Concerned by Religious Freedom Implications of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military…
USCIRF Observes International Women’s Day
Mar 8, 2023 USCIRF Observes International Women’s Day Brings Attention to Religious Freedom Violations Abroad Against Women Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commemorates International Women’s Day, and…
USCIRF Condemns Russia’s Closure of the SOVA Center
Apr 27, 2023 USCIRF Condemns Russia’s Closure of the SOVA Center Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) denounced Russia’s forcible closure of the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, a…
USCIRF Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting Worsening Religious Freedom Conditions Around the World
May 1, 2023 USCIRF Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting Worsening Religious Freedom Conditions Around the World Includes new recommendations of Cuba and Nicaragua as Countries of Particular Concern and Sri Lanka for the Special Watch List Washington,…
USCIRF Alarmed by Worldwide Blasphemy Enforcement
May 8, 2023 USCIRF Alarmed by Worldwide Blasphemy Enforcement Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by the continued enforcement of blasphemy provisions around the world and condemns efforts to…
USCIRF Welcomes the Release of State Department’s 2022 International Religious Freedom Report
May 15, 2023 USCIRF Welcomes the Release of State Department’s 2022 International Religious Freedom Report Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commends the State Department…
USCIRF Releases New Reports on Russia’s Religious Freedom Violations
Jul 5, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Reports on Russia’s Religious Freedom Violations Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new reports on religious freedom conditions in the…
USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium
Sep 14, 2023 USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released two new reports: Legislation Factsheet on Blasphemy – This…
USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World
Nov 28, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Compendium of National Anti-…
USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern
Jan 4, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern Azerbaijan Added to State Department’s Special Watch List Washington, DC – The United States Commission on…
USCIRF Calls for Greater Protection of Religious Sites in Conflict Areas
Jan 23, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Greater Protection of Religious Sites in Conflict Areas Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on all parties to armed conflicts around the world to abide by…
USCIRF Urges Sanctions on Russian Officials Abusing FoRB Prisoners
Mar 1, 2024 USCIRF Urges Sanctions on Russian Officials Abusing FoRB Prisoners Calls Attention to Russia’s Religious Freedom Violations and Crackdown on Civil Society Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy
May 1, 2024 USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy Highlights State of Religious Freedom Abroad after 25 Years of IRFA Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Protection of Religious Sites During Armed Conflict
May 14, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Protection of Religious Sites During Armed Conflict Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Protection of Religious Sites…
USCIRF Releases Report on Government Misinformation and Disinformation and Religious Freedom
Aug 8, 2024 USCIRF Releases Report on Government Misinformation and Disinformation and Religious Freedom Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Misinformation and…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Cuba
Sep 6, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Cuba Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Cuba Country Update – This report provides an…
USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 22, 2024 USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses  Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report:  Religious Freedom Challenges for Jehovah’s…
USCIRF Welcomes Release of Wrongfully Imprisoned Religious Leaders and Adherents in Cuba
Jan 18, 2025 USCIRF Welcomes Release of Wrongfully Imprisoned Religious Leaders and Adherents in Cuba Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of Cuban Santería practitioners…
USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual Report
Mar 25, 2025 USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual ReportWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released its 2025 Annual Report. The report documents religious freedom conditions in 2024 and recommends policy…
USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy Enforcement
Apr 14, 2025 USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy EnforcementWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Prosecuting Blasphemy in Russia – Russia has…
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Russia
Jun 30, 2025 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in RussiaWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  released the following report: Russia Country Update – The Russian government…
Torture and Ill Treatment are Tools of Violating Religious Freedom
Oct 20, 2025 Torture and Ill Treatment are Tools of Violating Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on religious freedom and torture:…
A Triad Repressing Religious Freedom is Led by Three Latin American Authoritarian Governments
Nov 18, 2025   A Triad Repressing Religious Freedom is Led by Three Latin American Authoritarian GovernmentsWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:  Patterns of Religious…
Cuba Maintains Poor Religious Freedom Conditions
May 13, 2026  Cuba Maintains Poor Religious Freedom ConditionsWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Cuba Country Update – This report outlines continued, systematic…