Displaying results 1 - 100 of 198

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
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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…
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  …
Read the full report here.This report is an examination of religious freedom conditions in Nicaragua following the outbreak of anti-government protests in April 2018 that continue to occur around the country. Throughout this political crisis, the Catholic…
Mar 11, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 11, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Nicaragua Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Algeria Chapter - 2020 Annual ReportAlgeria Chapter - 2020 Annual Report Arabic translation
Jul 20, 2020 This op-ed was originally published by The Washington Examiner, on July 20, 2020. By USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin and USCIRF Vice Chair Tony Perkins In Iraq, the 50th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces has…
Title 2026 Annual Report - Algeria Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Algeria.pdf Language English Year 2026…
Title 2026 Annual Report - Kyrgyzstan Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Kyrgyzstan.pdf Language English Year…
Title 2026 Annual Report - Nicaragua Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Nicaragua.pdf Language English Year 2026…
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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…
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…
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…
View the 2021 Annual Report          
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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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…
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…
Additional Name(s): حميد سوداد Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Additional Name(s): Slimane Bouhafs, سليمان بوحفص Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Ethnic Group: Amazigh Religion or Belief: Christian –…
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…
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 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…
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…
Feb 4, 2022 The government of Nicaragua, under the leadership of President Daniel Ortega, has a history of persecuting Catholic clergy, worshipers, and organizations as well as Protestant institutions especially since religious leaders provided sanctuary…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Aug 11, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Nicaragua Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Nicaragua Country Update…
This report details deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Nicaragua during the first half of 2022. In March, the government expelled the papal nuncio, the Vatican’s chief diplomat in the country, for unexplained reasons. Most recently, a judge…
Additional Name(s): Rolando José Álvarez, Rolando Jose Alvarez Lagos Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Additional Name(s): رضوان فوفة Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Additional Name(s): خير الدين أحمان Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Additional Name(s): شريف محمد علي Gender: Male Perpetrator: Algeria Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light…
Sep 9, 2022 Since 2020, USCIRF has recommended that Nicaragua be included on the State Department’s Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom. In 2022, the Nicaraguan government has greatly intensified its…
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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…
Nov 4, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Law and Religion in Algeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious freedom conditions in Algeria: Law and…
Additional Name(s): Enrique Martínez Gamboa, Benito Enrique Martínez Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Additional Name(s): Óscar Danilo Benavidez Dávila Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Feb 10, 2023 In recent years USCIRF has reported that religious freedom conditions in Algeria have continued to deteriorate with the government increasingly enforcing blasphemy laws and restricting worship. These laws particularly impact religious…
Feb 14, 2023 USCIRF Condemns Nicaragua’s 26-year Prison Sentence for Bishop Rolando Álvarez Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the Nicaraguan government’s sentencing of Catholic Bishop Rolando…
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,…
View the 2023 Annual Report Highlights from USCIRF’s 2023 Annual Report   Numbers-at-a-Glance 17 countries recommended for “country of particular concern” (CPC) designation 2 new countries recommended for CPC designation 11…
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…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
This comprehensive report features three crosscutting research areas that illuminate the religious freedom challenges facing indigenous communities in Latin America. First, the report provides detailed information about recent religious freedom…
Jun 7, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom Violations Against Indigenous Communities in Latin America Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Religious…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Current Location: Managua Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture…
Additional Name(s): Víctor Ticay Gender: Male Current Location: Sistema Penitenciario Nacional Jorge Navarro, Tipitapa Perpetrator: Nicaragua…
May 3, 2023 This op-ed was originally published by Religion News Service on May 3, 2023. By USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel & Vice Chair Abraham Cooper Denying religious freedom and women’s rights go hand-in-hand. Over the…
Additional Name(s): Fernando Israel Zamora Silva Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Additional Name(s): Adela Elizabeth Espinoza Tercero Gender: Female Current Location: La Esperanza prison, Tipitapa, Nicaragua Perpetrator: Nicaragua…
Gender: Female Current Location: La Esperanza prison, Tipitapa, Nicaragua Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
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…
Additional Name(s): Julio Ricardo Norori Jiménez Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Additional Name(s): José Iván Centeno Tercero Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Additional Name(s): Cristóbal Reynaldo Gadea Velásquez Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Additional Name(s): Álvaro José Toledo Amador Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Nicaragua Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic Date of Detainment: October/7/2023…
In October 1998, the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) elevated freedom of religion or belief as a U.S. foreign policy priority. This landmark law mandates that U.S. policy include condemning violations of religious freedom abroad and assisting…
Oct 25, 2023 USCIRF Condemns Nicaragua’s Expulsion of Arbitrarily Detained Priests   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the Nicaraguan government’s expulsion of ten arbitrarily detained…
This report documents the text of the 73 national anti-conversion laws on the books around the world. In total, 46 countries have at least one national anti-conversion law in force.  Four types of national anti-conversion laws are documented: anti-…
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-…