This report provides an overview of international humanitarian law’s protections for religious sites in conflict zones. The Geneva Conventions and their accompanying Protocols establish that religious sites may not be used for military purposes or…
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…
Four years after USCIRF’s 2020 publication on the global persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, countries continue to prosecute and impose harsh penalties on the community for their religious beliefs and peaceful religious activities. Hundreds of Jehovah’s…
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…
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…
Highlights from USCIRF’s 2025 Annual ReportNumbers-at-a-Glance16 countries recommended for “country of particular concern” (CPC) designation12 countries recommended for the State Department’s “Special Watch List” (SWL)7 entities recommended…
May 16, 2025
The religious freedom situation in Azerbaijan remains highly restricted. The government subjects virtually all religious practices to intrusive state oversight. Shi'a Muslims who do not operate within the government's preferred…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Religious Freedom Conditions in Azerbaijan." Witnesses discussed the state of religious freedom in Azerbaijan and shared recommendations for the U.S. government to support religious freedom in the…
Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have entrenched Sudan in a brutal civil war. Both sides have committed atrocities and human rights violations that have impacted Sudanese civilians. Religious freedom…