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Remarks by USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett at the Announcement of the Defending Freedoms Project
USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett made the following remarks at the announcement of the Defending Freedoms Project on December 6, 2012, a project of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with USCIRF and Amnesty International USA.  …
Roll Call -- Bahrain's Choice
Mar 18, 2013 FOR YOUR INFORMATIONMarch 18, 2013| By: Katrina Lantos Swett and M. Zuhdi Jasser The following op-ed appeared in Roll Call on March 15, 2013. While the world remains riveted to Egypt"s challenges and Syria"s…
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…
Did You Know...Defending Freedoms Project
…that the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with USCIRF and Amnesty International USA, has launched the Defending Freedoms Project to increase attention to and support for human rights and religious freedom around the world?Through the…
Global Post -- Why religious freedom can strengthen security and stability in Bahrain
Apr 14, 2014 FOR YOUR INFORMATIONApril 14, 2014 | By Katrina Lantos Swett and M. Zuhdi Jasser The following op-ed appeared in the Global Post on April 10, 2014. WASHINGTON — Last week's Formula 1 automotive racing event…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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 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…
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 Releases New Reports on Religious Freedom Conditions in Bahrain and Iraq
Feb 13, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 13, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Reports on Religious Freedom Conditions in Bahrain and Iraq Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (…
Bahrain Country Update
Read the full report here.This report highlights improvements and notes areas of concern regarding religious freedom in Bahrain in 2019. While Bahrain continues to allow freedom of worship to most religious groups, Shi’a Bahrainis face systematic and…
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…
Jovidon Bobojonov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
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…
USCIRF Commends Bahrain for Release of Prisoner of Conscience Nabeel Rajab
Jun 9, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Commends Bahrain for Release of Prisoner of Conscience Nabeel Rajab Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commended the government of…
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)…
2020 Annual Report Bahrain Chapter
Title Bahrain Chapter - 2020 Arabic Translation File Upload Bahrain_Arabic_0.pdf Language Arabic Year 2020…
Cuba Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Cuba Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Cuba.pdf Language English Year 2026…
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…
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing Protecting Houses of Worship and Holy Sites
Oct 23 WHEN: Oct 23rd 3:00pm…
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…
Country Update: Bahrain
Click here for the Bahrain Country Update  This country update examines religious freedom conditions in Bahrain. Throughout 2020, Bahrain continued to systematically restrict religious freedom for its Shi’a Muslim population. The government…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Bahrain
Dec 17, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Bahrain Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious…
Denis Rosabal
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Cuba Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Date of Detainment: August/6/2021…
Rustamjon Norov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
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…
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…
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          
Bahrain Takes Steps to Improve Religious Freedom
Jun 4, 2021 For the first time in years, Bahrain was not included in the list of countries that USCIRF recommends for the State Department’s Special Watch List (SWL). The government of Bahrain has made incremental improvements…
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…
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: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Urge the Bahraini government to clarify the terms and enforcement of the 2016 amendment to article 5 of the 2005 Political…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Work with the Bahraini government to continue to implement reforms consistent with the Bahrain Indepen-dent Commission of…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Press the Bahraini government to enforce existing laws, including Royal Decree 36 of 2012 and Royal Decree 95 of 2018,…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Continue to train security officials, prosecutors, and judges to better address sectarian violence and incitement by enhancing…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Press Bahrain’s government to ensure freedom of religion and reduce sec-tarian incitement by passing the bill pending in the…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Bahrain Country Update Recommendation:Release an updated assessment of the Bahraini government’s implementation of the BICI reportrecommendations, with a…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Bahrain Country Update Recommendation:Continue to provide guidance and training for Bahrain’s security services to prepare for Ashura observances in ways…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: U.S. Congress Source: 2019 Bahrain Country Update Recommendation:Continue to conduct periodic fact-finding missions and congressional delegation trips to Bahrain to assess religious…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Include Bahrain 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: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Publish an updated assessment of Bahrain’s compliance with the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report, with…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Continue to provide guidance and training for Bahrain’s security services to prepare for Ashura observances in ways that protect…
Recommendation
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: U.S. Congress Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Highlight in religious freedom and human rights-related hearings and other official proceedings Bahrain’s treatment of…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Bahrain Country Update Recommendation:The United States should continue to raise these restrictions on religious freedom with Bahrain’s government…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Bahrain Recommended To: U.S. Congress Recommendation:When the next administration nominates a new U.S. ambassador to Bahrain, Congress should examine as part of the confirmation process what steps they will take…
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…
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…