Displaying results 1 - 100 of 135

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…
Remarks by USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, 2013 Annual Report, National Endowment for Democracy
USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett gave the following remarks at a conference, cosponsored by USCIRF and the National Endowment for Democracy on May 7, 2013Introduction Thank you for that kind introduction. It truly is a pleasure to join you today at the…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
Summer Seminar #1 -- A Foundational Human Right: Why International Religious Freedom Matters
Jun 24 WHEN: Jun 24th 6:59pm…
Testimony of Vice Chair Maenza on Global Persecution of Christians
On June 27, 2019, Vice Chair Nadine Maenza testified at a Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing on violations of the right to freedom of religion of Christian communities around the world.Written Testimony Hearing Webpage
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…
Summer Seminar #2 -- Anti-Semitism: The World's Oldest Hatred — New Again?
Jul 24 WHEN: Jul 24th 1:00pm - Jul 24th 1:00pm…
USCIRF Hearing on Global Efforts to Counter Anti-Semitism
Jan 08 WHEN: Jan 8th 1:30pm…
USCIRF Alarmed Over Systematic Church Closures in Algeria
Oct 30, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2019   USCIRF Alarmed Over Systematic Church Closures in Algeria   WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is deeply concerned by…
USCIRF Raises Alarm about Speech Laws that Restrict Religious Freedom in More than Half of African Countries
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  …
Briefing on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Security: New Policy Guidance from the OSCE
Feb 11 WHEN: Feb 11th 10:30am…
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…
Algeria Chapter - 2020 Annual Report
Algeria Chapter - 2020 Annual ReportAlgeria Chapter - 2020 Annual Report Arabic translation
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)…
Algeria Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Algeria Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Algeria.pdf Language English Year 2026…
Cuba Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Cuba Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Cuba.pdf Language English Year 2026…
Factsheet: Conscientious Objection
Conscientious objection to military service is frequently connected to freedom of religion or belief, as many conscientious objectors are motivated by deeply-held religious beliefs. The right to conscientious objection is recognized under international…
Webinar #5: Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List
Nov 06 WHEN: Nov 6th 2:00pm…
2018 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom
Jul 25 WHEN: Jul 25th 5:00pm - Jul 25th 7:00pm…
USCIRF Events During 2019 Ministerial
Jul 16 WHEN: Jul 16th 4:00pm - Jul 18th 2:00pm…
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing Protecting Houses of Worship and Holy Sites
Oct 23 WHEN: Oct 23rd 3:00pm…
Silencing Religious Freedom in Africa: The Impact of Speech Restrictions
Dec 10 WHEN: Dec 10th 9:30pm…
USCIRF Update with USAID: The President’s Executive Order on International Religious Freedom
Aug 05 WHEN: Aug 5th 10:30am…
Conversation with USCIRF: Religious Freedom in Algeria
Nov 12 WHEN: Nov 12th 11:00am - Nov 12th 12:00pm…
Issue Update: The Global Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses
Read the full Issue Update: The Global Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses   This update describes official discrimination against Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world, with a particular focus on countries where members have been imprisoned for…
Denis Rosabal
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Date of Detainment: August/6/2021…
USCIRF Troubled by Escalating Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Algeria
Jan 25, 2021 USCIRF Troubled by Escalating Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Algeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is troubled by reports of escalating repression…
Factsheet: The Santería Tradition in Cuba
Factsheet: The Santería Tradition in Cuba Factsheet on the Santería Tradition in Cuba - This factsheet provides a brief overview of the traditions of the Santeria community in Cuba and highlights the religious freedom violations that…
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…
Santería in Cuba
Mar 5, 2021 Santería is a syncretic religion that incorporates elements of Catholicism with the religion of the Yoruba people, who were brought as slaves to Cuba from the Congo basin and West Africa in the 16th century. While…
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…
2021 Annual Report
View the 2021 Annual Report          
USCIRF Conversation on Ten Years after the Arab Spring: How has Religious Freedom Changed Across the Middle East?
Jun 23 WHEN: Jun 23rd 10:30am…
USCIRF Condemns Recent Court Decisions in Algeria Against Christians
Jun 23, 2021 USCIRF Condemns Recent Court Decisions in Algeria Against Christians Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned several court decisions in Algeria that restrict Christians’ religious…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Religious prisioners Recommendation:Highlight religious freedom violations in specific prisoner of conscience…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Travel Recommendation:Prioritize adequate coverage of religious freedom issues as well as access to…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Restrictions on religious activities Recommendation:Press the Cuban government to include in the new constitution…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Travel Recommendation:Facilitate multi-entry visas for both registered and unregistered Cuban religious leaders to…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Multilateral engagement Recommendation:Encourage key countries, particularly those in Latin America, to ensure…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Designation Recommendation:Maintain Cuba on the State Department’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Sanctions Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Cuban government agencies and officials responsible for severe…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Journalism Recommendation:Ensure that programs that support independent journalism in Cuba are responsive in…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Travel Recommendation:Enable the processing of visas in Havana for religious leaders, along with activists…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: U.S. State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Designation Recommendation:Maintain Cuba on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Sanctions Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Cuban government agencies and officials responsible for severe…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Public statements Recommendation:Publicly denounce violations of religious freedom and related human rights in Cuba and…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Travel Recommendation:Encourage Cuban authorities to extend an official invitation for an unrestricted visits by USCIRF…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Cuba Recommended To: Congress and the Administration Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Increase opportunities for Cuban religious leaders from both registered and unregistered religious communities…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Include Algeria on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Encourage U.S. Embassy officials to meet with the National Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Groups and other relevant…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Encourage U.S. Embassy officials to attend and observe court proceedings on church closures and against Ahmadiyya Muslims to…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Monitor the impact of changes in the new constitution regarding freedom of conscience and advocate that the government…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: U.S. Congress Source: 2021 Annual Report Recommendation:Hold public hearings to encourage Algeria to reverse decisions that have led to religious freedom violations and reform…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Include Algeria on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Encourage U.S. Embassy officials to meet with the Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Groups to clarify and assess its process…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Algeria Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Condition future cultural exchange programs between the United States and Algeria on the improvement of 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…
Lisdiani Rodríguez Isaac
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Cuba Ethnic Group: Yoruba Religion or Belief: Santería Sentence: 8 Years…
Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Cuba Ethnic Group: Yoruba Religion or Belief: Santería Sentence: 8 Years…
Donaida Pérez Paseiro
Gender: Female Current Location: Guamajal prison in Villa Clara Perpetrator: Cuba Ethnic Group: Yoruba Religion or Belief: Santería…
Loreto Hernández García
Gender: Male Current Location: Provincial Prison, Santa Clara Perpetrator: Cuba Ethnic Group: Yoruba Religion or Belief: Santería…
Elizabeth Cintra García
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Cuba Ethnic Group: Yoruba Religion or Belief: Santería Reports of Torture: No…
Yarian Sierra Madrigal
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Date of Detainment: July/11/2021…
Yéremi Blanco Ramírez
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Date of Detainment: July/11/2021…
Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of Torture: Yes…
Jorge Naranjo
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Sentence: 1 Year's House Arrest…
Protests in Cuba Impact Religious Freedom
Jul 27, 2021 Cuba’s government has long been responsible for violating its citizens right to freedom of religion or belief. In its 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department again place Cuba on its Special…
USCIRF Conversation: Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions in Algeria
Aug 31 WHEN: Aug 31st 11:00am - Aug 31st 12:00pm…
Destruction of Cemeteries Factsheet
Destruction of Cemeteries – This factsheet outlines international human rights law that defines the obligations of governments to protect the cultural heritage of religious communities’ cemeteries. Additionally, it describes specific examples…
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…
Ibrahim Figueredo Fonseca
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Sentence: 9 Months' Imprisonment…
Factsheet on Protests in Cuba and Religious Freedom
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets nationwide on July 11, 2021 to call for greater freedom and relief from the country’s economic and COVID-19 crises. Cuban authorities responded by detaining, often violently, an estimated 700 demonstrators and…
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…
Hamid Soudad
Additional Name(s): حميد سوداد Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of…
Ahmadiyya Persecution Factsheet
This factsheet documents and contextualizes recent religious freedom violations against Ahmadiyya Muslims, shining a light on the worrying trend of growing state persecution of members of this community. Ahmadiyya Muslims face persecution and…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims
Oct 18, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report about Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on persecution of…
Algeria Country Update
This country update examines religious freedom conditions in Algeria, which have deteriorated to a degree that has led USCIRF to recommend that the U.S State Department include Algeria on its Special Watch List since 2020. Although Algeria’s…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Algeria
Oct 19, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Algeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Algeria…
Violations against Muslims in Africa Factsheet
This report documents trends in religious freedom violations against Muslims during the last two years. While many Muslims in Africa practice their faith in peace and harmony, some Muslims have been denied their freedom of religion or belief across the…
USCIRF Releases Report Highlighting Religious Freedom Violations against Muslims in Africa
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…
Suleiman Bouhafs
Additional Name(s): Slimane Bouhafs, سليمان بوحفص Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Ethnic Group: Amazigh Religion or Belief: Christian –…
Ahmadiyya Muslims Face Persecution, Discrimination, and Hostility
Oct 22, 2021 The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in 1889 in Punjab, India and today has an estimated tens of millions of members globally. Because of the differences between Ahmadiyya beliefs and beliefs in Sunni and Shi…
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…
Algeria’s Increasing Hostility Towards Religious Minorities
Nov 5, 2021 In recent years, Algerian authorities have shown more hostility towards religious minorities, forcibly closing dozens of Protestant churches and prosecuting Ahmadiyya Muslims for gathering without authorization for…
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…
USA Today: This Easter, don't forget about persecuted Christians around the world
Apr 16, 2022 This op-ed was originally published by USA Today on April 16, 2022. By USCIRF Commissioners Jim Carr and Fred Davie The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has long advocated for the…
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…
2022 Annual Report
View the 2022 Annual Report Highlights from USCIRF’s 2022 Annual Report   Numbers-at-a-Glance 15 countries recommended for “country of particular concern” (CPC) designation 1 new country recommended for CPC designation 12…
The Hill: A glimmer of hope in bringing accountability to religious freedom violators abroad
Apr 25, 2022 This op-ed was originally published by The Hill on April 25, 2022. By USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza and Vice Chair Nury Turkel As the world is trying to resume some semblance of normalcy, it is abundantly clear that…
Constitutional Reform and Religious Freedom in Cuba
This report analyzes the ways in which Cuba’s newly approved constitution dilutes freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) guarantees compared with the previous constitution. The government of Cuba exercises extraconstitutional control over religious groups…
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 Conversation: Constitutional Reform and Religious Freedom in Cuba
Aug 02 WHEN: Aug 2nd 3:00pm - Aug 2nd 4:00pm…
Redouane Foufa
Additional Name(s): رضوان فوفة Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Khireddine Ahman
Additional Name(s): خير الدين أحمان Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Cherif Mohamed Ali
Additional Name(s): شريف محمد علي Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Law and Religion in Algeria
This factsheet highlights Algerian laws that pose risks to freedom of religion or belief. This report summarizes the intersection of law, religion, and politics in recent Algerian history. It highlights aspects of Algerian law that are inconsistent with…