Displaying results 1 - 100 of 162

USCIRF Letter to Secretary Kerry on the Sixteenth Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom sent the following letter to Secretary of State Kerry on April 12, 2013. The Honorable John F. Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Department of State Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Kerry: I…
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…
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…
AZERBAIJAN: Government Must Free Prisoners of Conscience
Aug 24, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the violations of religious freedom and human rights taking place in Azerbaijan.…
USCIRF Welcomes Release of State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report; Urges Prompt CPC Designations
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…
Testimony of USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George on "The Crisis of International Religious Freedom"
USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George testified on October 27, 2015 before Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at a hearing titled "The Global Crisis of Religious…
Tajikistan: USCIRF Criticizes Crackdown on Religious Freedom
Nov 2, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today criticized the Tajik government’s ongoing efforts to control religious activities, especially those of…
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,…
The Hill: The List No One Wants to Be On
Nov 16, 2017 The following originally op-ed appeared in The Hill on November 16, 2017   By former USCIRF Commissioners Daniel Mark and Sandra Jolley   People love lists. And when those lists are in the news,…
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…
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
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…
Bakhrom Kholmatov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of Torture: No Reports of…
Shamil Khakimov
Additional Name(s): Shamil Rasulovich Khakimov Gender: Male Current Location: Strict Regime Prison YaS 3/5 Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief…
Sadriddin Mulloyev
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni Reports of Torture: No Reports of Medical…
Khayriddin Dostakov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim – Unspecified/Other Reports of…
Briefing on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Security: New Policy Guidance from the OSCE
Feb 11 WHEN: Feb 11th 10:30am…
USCIRF Delegation Travels to Azerbaijan to Assess Religious Freedom Conditions
Mar 9, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2020 USCIRF Delegation Travels to Azerbaijan to Assess Religious Freedom Conditions Washington, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Vice Chairs…
Jovidon Bobojonov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
Azerbaijan Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Azerbaijan Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Azerbaijan.pdf Language English Year…
Tajikistan Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Tajikistan Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Tajikistan.pdf Language English Year…
Remarks by USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, 2013 Annual Report, National Endowment for Democracy
May 7, 2013 USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett gave the following remarks at a conference, cosponsored by USCIRF and the National Endowment for Democracy on May 7, 2013 Introduction Thank you for that kind introduction. It…
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…
USCIRF Update with USAID: The President’s Executive Order on International Religious Freedom
Aug 05 WHEN: Aug 5th 10:30am…
USCIRF Hearing on Religious Freedom in Russia and Central Asia
Sep 16 WHEN: Sep 16th 10:30pm - Sep 15th 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…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report about Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Countering Violent Extremism in Tajikistan
Nov 24, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report about Countering Violent Extremism in Tajikistan Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Issue…
Issue Update: Tajikistan
  Read the full Issue Update: Promoting Religious Freedom and Countering Violent Extremism in Tajikistan   This update describes Tajikistan’s official campaign to control and restrict Islamic practice, ostensibly an effort to combat the…
Rustamjon Norov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Shamil Khakimov
USCIRF ADVOCATE: Nury Turkel Advocacy: Press Release: USCIRF Vice Chair Nury Turkel Calls on Tajikistan to Release…
USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel Adopts New Religious Prisoner of Conscience from Tajikistan
Feb 24, 2021 USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel Adopts New Religious Prisoner of Conscience from Tajikistan Washington, DC –United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Nury Turkel today…
Country Update: Azerbaijan
This report evaluates trends relevant to freedom of religion or belief in Azerbaijan since USCIRF commissioners and staff traveled to the country in early 2020. In recent years, Azerbaijan has implemented some changes that have marked an improvement in…
USCIRF Releases Country Update on Azerbaijan
Mar 18, 2021 USCIRF Releases Country Update on Azerbaijan Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a country update on religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan:…
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 Concerned by Azerbaijan Religion Law Amendments, Condition of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral
May 17, 2021 USCIRF Concerned by Azerbaijan Religion Law Amendments, Condition of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned that proposed…
The Diplomat: To Prevent Violent Extremism in Tajikistan, Promote Religious Freedom
Jun 11, 2021 This op-ed was originally published by The Diplomat on June 11, 2021. By USCIRF Vice Chair Tony Perkins and Commissioner Nury Turkel.   Tajikistan is located in a dangerous neighborhood, sharing a long border…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Ensure continued U.S. funding for Radio Azadliq, the Azerbaijani Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and the Azerbaijani Service of the…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: USAID Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Specify freedom of religion or belief as a grant category and area of activity for the U.S. Agency for …
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Government of Azerbaijan Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Thematic Area: Religious Prisoners of Conscience Recommendation:Release prisoners of conscience—particularly those…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Government of Azerbaijan Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Permit all religious communities—particularly those located outside of Baku and those belonging to…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Government of Azerbaijan Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Reform the 2009 law on religious organizations to bring it into conformity with recommendations by the…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Congress Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:The U.S. Congress should hold public hearings to investigate Azerbaijan’s religious freedom and broader human rights…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Assist the government of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with international partners, to develop an…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Work with the government of Azerbaijan to revise the 2009 religion law to comply with international human…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Include Azerbaijan on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Congress Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:The U.S. Congress should hold public hearings to investigate Azerbaijan’s religious freedom and broader human rights…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: Congress Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Allocate funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Embassy in Baku to restore, preserve,…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Assist the Azerbaijani government, in collaboration with international partners, to develop an alternative…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Work with the government of Azerbaijan to revise the 2009 religion law to comply with international human…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Azerbaijan Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Include Azerbaijan on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:The U.S. government should: redesignate Tajikistan as a CPC under IRFA and lift the waiver. Actions…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:The U.S. government should: redesignate Tajikistan as a CPC under IRFA and lift the waiver. Actions…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Condition U.S. assistance to the Tajikistani government, with the exception of aid to improve humanitarian…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: Congress; The Administration; Other Governments Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Work with the international community, particularly during Organization for Security…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: Congress; The Administration; Other Governmants Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Press for at the highest levels and work to secure the immediate release of individuals…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Ensure continued U.S. funding for Radio Ozodi, contingent on its compliance with international standards of…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Ensure continued U.S. funding for Radio Ozodi, contingent on its compliance with international standards of…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Redesignate Tajikistan as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Condition U.S. assistance to the Tajikistani government, with the exception of aid to improve humanitarian…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: Congress; The Administration Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Tajikistani government agencies and officials responsible for severe…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: Congress; The Administration Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Press the Tajikistani government at the highest levels to identify and immediately release…
Recommendations
Status: implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Redesignate Tajikistan as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Condition U.S. assistance to the Tajikistani government, with the exception of aid to improve humanitarian…
Recommendations
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: The Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Tajikistani government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of…
Recommendations
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Tajikistan Recommended To: Congress; The Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Press the Tajikistani government at the highest levels to identify and immediately release…
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…
Religious Freedom & Taliban Fears in Tajikistan
Sep 30, 2021 For many years, USCIRF has been deeply concerned about religious freedom conditions in Central Asia, and more recently the impact of the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan on the surrounding region. Since 2012…
Tajikistan’s Inhumane Treatment of Religious Prisoner Indicative of Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions
Oct 15, 2021 Tajikistan’s Inhumane Treatment of Religious Prisoner Indicative of Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by…
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…
Sirojiddin Abdurahmonov
Additional Name(s): Eshoni Sirojiddin, Mullo Sirojiddin Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim –…
Mahmadsodyk Sayidov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni Reports of Torture: No…
Abdugafor Rajabov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni Reports of Torture: No…
Aslamkhon Karimov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni Reports of Torture: No…
Movsum Samadov
Additional Name(s): Movsum Mardan oglu Samadov Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Abqul Suleymanov
Additional Name(s): Abgul Suleymanov, Abgul Neymat oglu Suleymanov Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Elshan Mustafaoglu
Additional Name(s): Elshan Mustafaoglu Mustafayev Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Elvin Muradov
Additional Name(s): Elvin Mürvətoğlu Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a Reports…
Ahsan Nuruzade
Additional Name(s): Ahsan Muzaffar oglu Nuruzade Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Tajikistan Country Update
Religious freedom conditions continue to deteriorate in Tajikistan, as developments in neighboring Afghanistan reinforce the intersection between authoritarianism and security concerns. For over a decade, the Tajik government heavily regulated what it…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Tajikistan
Jan 10, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Tajikistan Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Tajikistan…
Shohida Mamadjonova
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Tajikistan Ethnic Group: Tajik Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni Reports of Torture: No…
USCIRF Vice Chair Nury Turkel Calls on Tajikistan to Release Shamil Khakimov
Feb 25, 2022 USCIRF Vice Chair Nury Turkel Calls on Tajikistan to Release Shamil Khakimov Washington, DC – U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls for the release of imprisoned Jehovah’s Witness Shamil…
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…
Razi Humbatov
Additional Name(s): Razi Gumbatov Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a Reports of…
Muzaffar Davlatmirov
Additional Name(s): Музаффар Давлатмиров Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Seymur Mammadov
Additional Name(s): Seymur Afqan oglu Mammadov Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Elshan Abbasov
Additional Name(s): Эльшан Аббасов Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
Shamkhal Eyvazov
Additional Name(s): Şamhal Eyvazov Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a Reports…
Royal Karimov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Azerbaijan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
The Persecution of Muslims in Tajikistan
Nov 10, 2022 Tajikistan’s population is majority Sunni Muslim, with a small Shi’a Muslim community which primarily consists of ethnic Pamiris located in the mountainous eastern part of the country known as the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).…