Displaying results 1 - 56 of 56

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 Welcomes IRF Report; Calls for CPC Designations
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…
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.…
Turkey: Reopen Halki
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…
North Korea Must be Held Accountable for its Abysmal Human Rights Record
Dec 22, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 22, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today welcomed the UN General Assembly’s passage on December 18 of a resolution that…
USCIRF Commemorates the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
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…
Turkey: Reopen Halki Seminary
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,…
North Korea: USCIRF Urges Religious Freedom Be Included in UN Security Council Human Rights Meeting
Dec 9, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commends the United States and eight other countries for requesting a meeting of the UN Security…
Turkey: Mixed Findings on Textbooks
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.…
USCIRF Welcomes CPC Designations: Urges Additional Designations and Actions
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,…
TURKEY: USCIRF Delegation Visits Imprisoned U.S. Citizen Pastor Andrew Brunson
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…
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"  …
USCIRF Strongly Condemns New Indictment Against Pastor Andrew Brunson, Including Possible Life Sentence
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…
Turkey Misses Opportunity to Release Pastor Andrew Brunson, Sets Next Hearing to May 7
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…
Turkey Postpones Hearing to July 18, Sends Pastor Andrew Brunson Back to Prison
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…
Pastor Andrew Brunson Returned to Turkish Prison
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…
Pastor Brunson Is Released
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…
Pastor Andrew Brunson and Wife Depart Turkey
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…
USCIRF Statement on Release of New Policy Update on Religious Freedom in North Korea
Nov 30, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018   USCIRF Statement on Release of New Policy Update on Religious Freedom in North Korea WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (…
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 Urges President Trump to Address Religious Freedom Abuses in North Korea
Feb 27, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2019     USCIRF Urges President Trump to Address Religious Freedom Abuses in North Korea WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom…
USCIRF Expresses Condolences on Death of Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, and Calls on Turkey to Allow Free Election of New Patriarch
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…
USCIRF Condemns Erdogan’s Threats to Change Status of Hagia Sophia
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…
USCIRF Urges U.S. Policymakers to Remain Engaged on Religious Freedom in Turkey
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…
USCIRF Statement on Turkish Offensive in Northeast Syria
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…
USCIRF Statement on Anniversary of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Release
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…
USCIRF Condemns Turkish Air Strikes on Sinjar
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…
USCIRF Disappointed UN Security Council Did Not Discuss Religious Freedom in North Korea
Dec 16, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2019       USCIRF Disappointed UN Security Council Did Not Discuss Religious Freedom in North Korea   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on…
USCIRF Commissioner James Carr Adopts Deacon Zhang Wen Shi of North Korea and Pastor A Dao of Vietnam through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project
May 29, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2020 USCIRF Commissioner James Carr Adopts Deacon Zhang Wen Shi of North Korea and Pastor A Dao of Vietnam through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project Washington, DC – United States Commission on…
USCIRF Condemns Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq
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.…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Human Rights Advocacy and the North Korea Nuclear Impasse
Jul 8, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Releases New Report about Human Rights Advocacy and the North Korea Nuclear Impasse Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
USCIRF Decries Decision to Change Status of the Hagia Sophia
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…
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 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 Welcomes Administration’s Historic Decision to Recognize Armenian Genocide
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…
USCIRF Releases Report Highlighting Religious Freedom Violations in North Korea
Aug 18, 2021 USCIRF Releases Report Highlighting Religious Freedom Violations in North Korea Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a new report titled “Organized…
USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on Destruction of Cemeteries
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…
USCIRF Releases Factsheet Reiterating its Recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL Designations
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…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Turkey
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…
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 Releases Report on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and Religious Freedom in North Korea
Jul 29, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and Religious Freedom in North Korea Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Freedom of Religion,…
USCIRF Commemorates the Eighth Anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide
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…
USCIRF Releases Report on Blasphemy Charges in Turkey
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…
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 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 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 Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey
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…
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 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 Religious Freedom in Turkey
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…
USCIRF Delegation Travels to South Korea to Investigate Religious Freedom in North Korea
Aug 16, 2024 USCIRF Delegation Travels to South Korea to Investigate Religious Freedom in North Korea Washington, DC – A delegation of Commissioners and staff from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently traveled…
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…
Congress Takes Encouraging, Bipartisan Steps on International Religious Freedom
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…
The Degrading Freedom of Religion or Belief Conditions in North Korea
Dec 4, 2025   The Degrading Freedom of Religion or Belief Conditions in North Korea Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on North Korea: North Korea…
The State Department Should Place Turkey on the Special Watch List
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…