Displaying results 1 - 100 of 101

Apr 15, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 15, 2013| By USCIRF  WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ongoing attacks and retaliations by Muslims and Christians in Nigeria's violent, religiously and ethnically mixed Middle Belt has left more…
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 USCIRF Letter to President Obama on Upcoming Meeting with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) sent…
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.…
Nov 20, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 20, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today urged the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Halki Seminary, the…
Dec 2, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2014 I USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the horrific November 28 attack on worshippers at Kano’s Central…
Feb 2, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2015 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reports of pre-election violence, combined with rising societal and political tensions, increase the likelihood of religiously-motivated violence…
Apr 3, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 3, 2015 | USCIRF Calls on President-Elect to Govern Inclusively and Address Inter-Faith Tensions WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Apr 23, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2015 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today solemnly marks the 100 year anniversary of the tragic killing of over one million…
Jul 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 17, 2015  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hundreds of people have been killed in Boko Haram terrorist attacks throughout northern Nigeria and in sectarian violence in the Middle Belt during the past…
Oct 21, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 21, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the October 14 release by the U.S. State Department of its International Religious…
Nov 24, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 24, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki,…
Dec 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C – A new study of textbooks used in Turkey’s compulsory “Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge” class found both improvements and issues of concern. The U.S.…
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,…
Oct 6, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2017 TURKEY: USCIRF Delegation Visits Imprisoned U.S. Citizen Pastor Andrew Brunson Pastor Brunson says, "Knowing that I am not forgotten is important to me" WASHINGTON, D.C. – Almost…
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"  …
Mar 13, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2018 USCIRF Strongly Condemns New Indictment Against Pastor Andrew Brunson, Including Possible Life Sentence “USCIRF urges President Trump and others in the administration to redouble…
Apr 16, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 16, 2018   Turkey Misses Opportunity to Release Pastor Andrew Brunson, Sets Next Hearing for May 7 “We are deeply disappointed that Turkish officials today decided to prolong their…
May 7, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2018     Turkey Postpones Hearing to July 18, Sends Pastor Andrew Brunson Back to Prison “The judge’s decision at the conclusion of today’s hearing to dismiss all of the…
Jul 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Returned to Turkish Prison “The government of Turkey continues to make a mockery of justice in its treatment of Pastor Brunson,” said USCIRF Vice Chair…
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Is Released “While we welcome this good news, we should not lose sight of other religious freedom concerns in this country,” said Commissioner…
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson and Wife Depart Turkey Commissioner Tony Perkins Accompanies Pastor Brunson and Wife Norine on Plane to U.S. “I want to again commend President…
Feb 16, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2019   USCIRF Releases Report on Violence in Central Nigeria on Eve of Presidential Elections   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious…
Mar 8, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2019   USCIRF Expresses Condolences on Death of Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, and Calls on Turkey to Allow Free Election of New Patriarch   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States…
Mar 28, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2019   USCIRF Condemns Erdogan’s Threats to Change Status of Hagia Sophia   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Sep 26, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2019 USCIRF Urges U.S. Policymakers to Remain Engaged on Religious Freedom in Turkey Calls on Turkish Government to Cease Interference in Religious Elections   WASHINGTON, DC…
Oct 9, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Turkish Offensive in Northeast Syria   WASHINGTON, DC – In response to news reports that Turkey has launched airstrikes on the border region of…
Oct 10, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Anniversary of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Release   WASHINGTON, DC – On October 12, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Nov 7, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2019     USCIRF Condemns Turkish Air Strikes on Sinjar   WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns recent Turkish air…
Dec 9, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 2019 USCIRF Raises Alarm about Speech Laws that Restrict Religious Freedom in More than Half of African Countries Briefing Tomorrow to Feature New Report and Recommendations  …
Dec 10, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2019   USCIRF Releases New Report on Shari’ah Criminal Law in Northern Nigeria   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
May 8, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2020 USCIRF Condemns Arrest of Prominent Nigerian Atheist, Mubarak Bala Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed its deep…
Jun 19, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 19, 2020 USCIRF Condemns Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq Calls on Turkish President to Cease Air Strikes and Violence Targeting Civilian Areas Washington, DC – The U.S.…
Jun 22, 2020 USCIRF Denounces Recent ISWAP Attacks in Northeast Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today denounced the recent attacks by Boko Haram faction Islamic…
Jul 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Decries Decision to Change Status of the Hagia Sophia  Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) decries the decision of Turkey’s…
Jul 28, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Condemns Execution of Aid Workers by ISWAP Militants Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) denounced the execution of five aid…
Aug 11, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Condemns Death Sentence for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu on Blasphemy Charges Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the death sentence…
Sep 17, 2020 USCIRF Commissioner Frederick A. Davie Adopts Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu of Nigeria through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project Washington, DC – United States Commission on International…
Oct 1, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Releases New Report about Religious Tensions and Fulani Communities in West and Central Africa Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Dec 7, 2020 USCIRF Welcomes the State Department’s Designation of Nigeria among World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedom Encouraged to See Positive Movement in Some Countries WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on…
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…
Dec 16, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious…
Dec 17, 2020 USCIRF Condemns Boko Haram Attacks and Threats against Christians WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned recent attacks by Boko Haram in Niger and…
Feb 12, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report about Violent Islamist Groups in Northern Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on…
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…
Apr 14, 2021 USCIRF Alarmed by Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions & Security in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed its alarm and outrage regarding deteriorating…
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 24, 2021 USCIRF Welcomes Administration’s Historic Decision to Recognize Armenian Genocide Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Joseph R. Biden’s historic decision to recognize the…
Jul 9, 2021 USCIRF Condemns School Abductions in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the attack on a Christian school in Nigeria, where 125 students…
Jul 15, 2021 USCIRF Denounces Nigerian Religious Police Arrests of LGBTI Persons   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today denounced the arrest of five men suspected of engaging in lesbian, gay…
Sep 1, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on Destruction of Cemeteries Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on the destruction of…
Oct 4, 2021 USCIRF Alarmed by Violence against Christians & Shi’a Muslims in Nigeria   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned recent instances of…
Oct 5, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Nigeria’s Kano State   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report…
Oct 20, 2021 USCIRF Releases Report Highlighting Religious Freedom Violations against Muslims in Africa Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new…
Nov 5, 2021 USCIRF Releases Factsheet Reiterating its Recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL Designations Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the…
Nov 8, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report about Entities of Particular Concern and Religious Freedom Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report…
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…
Dec 3, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Turkey Country…
Feb 18, 2022 USCIRF Commissioner Tony Perkins Calls for Leah Sharibu’s Freedom on Abduction Anniversary   Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Mar 4, 2022 USCIRF Commissioner Davie Calls for the Immediate Release of RPOC Yahaya Sharif-Aminu Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called for the release of Muslim gospel…
Apr 5, 2022 USCIRF Condemns Mubarak Bala Prison Sentence, Calls for U.S. Government Response   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the Kano State High…
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…
Jun 17, 2022 USCIRF Delegation Travels to Nigeria to Assess Religious Freedom Conditions Washington, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Frederick A. Davie along with USCIRF…
Aug 3, 2022 USCIRF Commemorates the Eighth Anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today joined communities around the world in…
Sep 6, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Violence Impacting Religious Freedom in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:…
Sep 28, 2022 USCIRF Condemns Recent Attacks on Worshippers in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned a recent attack by armed bandits against worshippers at a mosque in Zamfara…
Oct 26, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Blasphemy Laws in Nigeria   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Blasphemy Laws in Nigeria – The increasing…
Dec 2, 2022 USCIRF Outraged by Omission of Nigeria and India from State Department’s List of Countries of Particular Concern Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) finds it inexplicable that the U.S. Department of…
Dec 6, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on Blasphemy Charges in Turkey  Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Blasphemy Charges in Turkey – This report reviews Turkey…
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…
Apr 4, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Report on African Traditional and Indigenous Religions Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on African traditional and indigenous…
Apr 19, 2023 USCIRF Condemns Funeral Attack, Rising Violence in Northcentral Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the recent attack on a funeral in Benue State, Nigeria, which…
Apr 27, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Report on Abuses against Fulani Muslim Civilians Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on abuses against Fulani Muslim civilians…
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,…
May 14, 2023 USCIRF Commemorates Leah Sharibu’s 20th Birthday and Calls for Her Rescue Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today noted the twentieth birthday of Christian…
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…
May 24, 2023 USCIRF Calls for the Release of Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif Aminu Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today reiterated its calls for the release of Nigerian…
Jun 9, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Report on Ethnonationalism and Religious Freedom in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on ethnonationalism and religious…
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…
Nov 13, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Examination of Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey – This…
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-…
Dec 14, 2023 USCIRF Alarmed by Rising Violence Against Religious Groups in Nigeria Urges State Department to Make CPC Designation Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the recent uptick of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jul 26, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  released the following new report: Turkey Country Update – This report examines…
Aug 9, 2024 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Washington, DC — The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Nigeria Country Update - This report provides an update…
Dec 26, 2024   USCIRF Welcomes the Acquittal of Rhoda Jatau Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) applauds the December 19 decision of a court in Bauchi State, Nigeria, to acquit Christian nurse…
Jan 8, 2025 USCIRF Welcomes News of Mubarak Bala’s Release from Prison in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes news of the release from prison of humanist Mubarak Bala. Arrested in 2020…
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…
Jun 18, 2025 USCIRF Reiterates Call for CPC Designation for Nigeria Weekend Attack on Catholic Mission Exacerbates the Religious Freedom Crisis in Africa’s Largest CountryWashington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Jul 21, 2025 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:  Nigeria Country Update - This report provides an…
Sep 9, 2025 Promoting Religious Freedom is a Vital Atrocity Prevention ToolWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on the link between atrocity prevention and international religious…
Sep 25, 2025 Congress Takes Encouraging, Bipartisan Steps on International Religious Freedom Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the introduction of H.Res 738. This resolution demonstrates…
Nov 3, 2025   Naming of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is an Important Step to Advance Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Trump’s making Nigeria…
Nov 21, 2025   More Than the CPC Designation Is Needed as Violations on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Escalate Washington, DC – Nearly three weeks since President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), there has…
Feb 13, 2026  Congress Should Ban Lobbying by Countries that Violate FoRBWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the U.S. government to publicly identify and admonish foreign governments that…
Feb 26, 2026   The State Department Should Place Turkey on the Special Watch ListWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reiterates its recommendation for the U.S. Department of State to place…