Displaying results 1 - 100 of 112

The Philadelphia Inquirer -- Threats to religious freedom
Sep 28, 2015 FOR YOUR INFORMATION September 28, 2015 | Daniel I. Mark and Katrina Lantos Swett The following op-ed appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer on September 27, 2015 Washington hosted two dramatically…
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…
The Christian Science Monitor -- Pope Francis tackles Central African Republic's Christian-Muslim Divide
Nov 30, 2015 FOR YOUR INFORMATIONNovember 30, 2015 | M. Zuhdi Jasser and Katrina Lantos Swett The following op-ed appeared in The Christian Science Monitor on November 30, 2015 Pope Francis arrived yesterday in the troubled…
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: Central African Republic turns a blind eye to the persecution of Muslim minority
Sep 18, 2017 The following op-ed appeared in The Hill on September 18, 2017 By former USCIRF Commissioners Sandra Jolley and Jackie Wolcott   Addressing religious freedom violations is always hard, but when…
A Right for All: Freedom of Religion or Belief in ASEAN
The report documents ASEAN’s and the Member States’ approaches to the freedom of religion or belief, underscores the religious freedom-related chal­lenges in the region that transcend country borders, and emphasizes the strategic importance of robust U.S…
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,…
The Hill: Protecting Religious Freedom Provides Common Ground for All
Jul 30, 2018 This op-ed originally appeared in The Hill on July 27, 2018. By former USCIRF Commissioners Tenzin Dorjee and Kristina Arriaga To the surprise of many, there is a foreign policy issue on which…
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…
Factsheet on Enforced Disappearances in Malaysia
Click here to view the October 2019 Factsheet on Enforced Disappearances in Malaysia.
USCIRF Releases New Reports on Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Iran
Oct 17, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2019   USCIRF Releases New Reports on Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Iran   Washington, DC  – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
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 Urges Thailand and Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea
Jun 23, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Urges Thailand and Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the…
The Diplomat: Malaysia’s Unwelcoming Shore for Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution
Jul 28, 2020 This op-ed originally appeared in The Diplomat, on July 28, 2020. By USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin and Commissioner James W. Carr Several airlines offer direct flights from Burma to Malaysia, but many Rohingya…
The Globe Post: Central Africans Should Not be Denied Their Right to Vote Based on Their Faith
Aug 14, 2020 This op-ed originally appeared in The Globe Post, on August 14, 2020. By USCIRF Vice Chairs Anurima Bhargava and Tony Perkins Over half-a-million Central Africans remain displaced outside of their country,…
Central African Republic Annual Report Chapters
Title 2023 Annual Report - Central African Republic Chapter File Upload Central African Republic (CAR).pdf Language English Year…
Malaysia Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Malaysia Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Malaysia.pdf Language English Year 2026…
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…
Factsheet: Fulani Communities in West and Central Africa
This factsheet explores the role that religion plays in escalating violence committed by and against Fulani communities in west and central Africa. Predominantly Muslim and historically associated with cattle herding and livestock rearing, Fulani…
USCIRF Releases New Report about Religious Tensions and Fulani Communities in West and Central Africa
Oct 1, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Releases New Report about Religious Tensions and Fulani Communities in West and Central Africa Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Raymond Koh
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Malaysia Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Date of Detainment: February/13/2017…
Amri Che Mat
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Malaysia Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a Reports of Torture: No Reports of Medical…
Factsheet: Rohingya Refugees
Click here to view the Rohingya Refugees Factsheet.   This factsheet highlights the conditions of Rohingya refugees in Southeast Asia. While the majority of Rohingya refugees have fled from Burma to Bangladesh, a significant number have escaped to…
USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia
Oct 8, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a new report on…
Raymond Koh
Advocacy: Press Release: USCIRF Calls Attention to Pastor Raymond Koh on 5th Anniversary of Disappearance, February 11, 2022…
USCIRF Commissioner Jim Carr Adopts Pastor Raymond Koh through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project
Nov 23, 2020 USCIRF Commissioner Jim Carr Adopts Pastor Raymond Koh through the Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Jim…
FoRB Victims List and Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project Update
Feb 25 WHEN: Feb 25th 11:00am - Feb 25th 12:30pm…
Washington Examiner: Protect religious symbols in African conflict zones
Apr 19, 2021 Read full article This op-ed was originally published by Washington Examiner, on April 15, 2021. Written by Commissioners Frederick A. Davie and James W. Carr. 
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          
Factsheet: Nonbelievers in Africa
Nonbelievers in Africa Factsheet – This factsheet assesses conditions for nonbelievers in Africa, which includes those who identify as atheist, agnostic, freethinker, humanist, secularist, and individuals who do not identify with any religion. Evidence…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Request that the Malaysian government clarify administrative procedures and develop tangible mechanisms for individuals to…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Laws Recommendation:Press the Malaysian government to remove the religion field from national ID cards and allow for…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Laws Recommendation:Urge the Malaysian government to facilitate independent institutions, including the judiciary, in…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: RPOCs Recommendation:Urge the Malaysian government to acknowledge all peaceful religious activity as legitimate and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Special Watch List Recommendation:Include Malaysia on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Technical Assistance Recommendation:As part of U.S. support to build capacity for Malaysian law enforcement, fund and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: IVLP Recommendation:Expand the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to include bringing Malaysian lawyers…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Special Watch List Recommendation:Include Malaysia on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Technical Assistance Recommendation:Fund and implement training on community-based policing between the U.S.…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: RPOCs Recommendation:Urge the Malaysian government to repeal the federal and state-level laws criminalizing blasphemy…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Malaysia Recommended To: State Department Source: 2021 Annual Report Thematic Area: Diplomacy Recommendation:Work with Malaysia and regional partners to ensure the safety of migrants and refugees,…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Include on the Special Watch List
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Establish high-level panel on human rights protection with international stakeholders and CAR authorities…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Fund justice programs, including the SCC
Recommendation
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Assist CAR government in ensuring Muslims have a future in the country
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Recommendation:Increase humanitarian assistance
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Increase engagement with CAR authorities, the United Nations (UN), and international donors to ensure that…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Assisting the UN Security Council in sanctioning armed actors responsible for organizing and/or engaging in…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Funding programs to reestablish and professionalize CAR’s judiciary and to support the Special Criminal Court (…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Press CAR authorities to undertake initiatives to ensure that Muslims have a future in the country by:…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Central African Republic Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Recommendation:Increase funding for peace and security initiatives; bolster humanitarian assistance for refugees, IDPs,…
CAR Country Update
This country update examines recent progress made and ongoing challenges in CAR. Due to peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts, sectarian violence and religious targeting reduced in CAR in 2020. However, Central African religious minorities…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Central African Republic
Jun 28, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Central African Republic Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new…
Central African Republic: From Sectarian Violence to Progress on Religious Freedom
Jul 9, 2021 In 2015, USCIRF for the first time recommended the Central African Republic (CAR) be designated by the State Department a Country of Particular Concern for systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious…
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…
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…
Malaysia Country Update
This country update assesses religious freedom conditions in Malaysia during 2021. Malaysia has witnessed unprecedented political instability in recent years—starting on February 24, 2020, with the sudden collapse of the Pakatan Harapan coalition and…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Malaysia
Nov 10, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Malaysia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious…
Political Instability Fuels Decline for Religious Freedom in Malaysia
Nov 12, 2021 Malaysia has experienced unprecedented political instability in recent years. During this time, Malaysian authorities from various political parties in several states and the federal government have continued to pursue policies to further…
Joshua Hilmy
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Malaysia Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other Reports of Torture: No Reports…
Ruth Sitepu
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Malaysia Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other Reports of Torture: No Reports…
Worrying Trends for Religious Freedom in Central and Eastern Africa
Jan 21, 2022 Across central and eastern Africa there are many dynamics at play, including political crises and violent insurgencies, both of which pose challenges to freedom of religion or belief. These trends and developments…
USCIRF Calls Attention to Pastor Raymond Koh on 5th Anniversary of Disappearance
Feb 11, 2022 USCIRF Calls Attention to Pastor Raymond Koh on 5th Anniversary of Disappearance Washington, DC – The U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called for answers on the disappearance of Pastor…
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…
USCIRF Releases 2022 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy
Apr 26, 2022 On April 25, 2022, USCIRF released its 2022 Annual Report, which documents developments in international religious freedom from 2021. The report provides recommendations to enhance the U.S. government’s promotion…
Factsheet: Global Overview of Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution
This factsheet highlights the global scale of religious persecution by providing an overview of contexts where large populations have been displaced due to persecution or violence based on religion or belief, including in Afghanistan, Burma, the Central…
Religious Freedom Backslides in Central African Republic
Jun 16, 2022 USCIRF began monitoring religious freedom conditions in Central African Republic (CAR) in 2013 when the country descended into civil conflict. After seven years of recommending that CAR be designated a country of…
The Impact of Malaysia’s Dual Legal System on Religious Freedom
Aug 11, 2022 Malaysia maintains a unique dual legal system divided into civil and religious courts. In recent decades, the influence of these religious courts, which are based on the Shaf’i school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence…
Blasphemy and Related Laws in ASEAN Member Countries
This report reviews blasphemy laws and their enforcement within the region of the Associate of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting recent cases and providing analysis on related laws. Blasphemy is defined as “the act of insulting or showing…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Blasphemy in Southeast Asia
Oct 19, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Blasphemy in Southeast Asia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Blasphemy and Related Laws in ASEAN Member Countries…
The Legacy of Blasphemy Laws in Southeast Asia
Oct 21, 2022 Seven out of ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations have blasphemy laws currently enshrined in their legal codes. USCIRF’s recent issue update reviews these blasphemy laws and their enforcement within this…
Religious Freedom Concerns in Central Africa
This factsheet highlights challenges facing freedom of religion or belief in several countries in Central Africa, such as Central African Republic (CAR), Cameroon, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The politicization of religious identity and…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Concerns in Central Africa
Feb 9, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Concerns in Central Africa   Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Religious Freedom Concerns in…
USCIRF Conversation: Rising Authoritarianism in ASEAN Member States
Mar 08 WHEN: Mar 8th 10:00am - Mar 8th 11:00am…
Abuses Against Fulani Muslim Civilians
Across west and central Africa, escalating violence and abuses against Fulani Muslim civilians are negatively impacting religious freedom for many communities. Governments and state-backed forces in Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Central African Republic…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Abuses against Fulani Muslim Civilians
Apr 27, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Report on Abuses against Fulani Muslim Civilians Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on abuses against Fulani Muslim civilians…
USCIRF Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting Worsening Religious Freedom Conditions Around the World
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,…
2023 Annual Report
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…
USCIRF Welcomes the Release of State Department’s 2022 International Religious Freedom Report
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…
The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia
This comprehensive report explores the bureaucratization of religion in four countries in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This bureaucratization is a phenomenon that occurs through the use of administrative mechanisms to…
USCIRF Releases Report on The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia
Sep 7, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: The Bureaucratization of Religion…
USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium
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…
25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act
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…
Anti-Conversion Laws Compendium
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-…
USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World
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-…
USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern
Jan 4, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern Azerbaijan Added to State Department’s Special Watch List Washington, DC – The United States Commission on…