Displaying results 1 - 100 of 246

Did You Know...Eritrea
...that the Eritrean government, one of the most repressive governments in the world where a recent coup attempt just failed, has placed Eritrean Orthodox Church Patriarch Abune Antonios under house arrest since January 2006?Eritrea has been called the…
Did You Know...Turkey
...that Turkey’s strict adherence to secularism has lead to religious freedom violations for Muslims and non-Muslims alike?Turkey imported and enshrined the French concept of secularism, or laïcité, into its constitution on February 5, 1937. Often…
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...Turkey
...that since August 2011 Turkey has returned more than 300 previously-expropriated properties to the country’s religious minority communities? However, many more properties have not been returned.Starting in 1936, the Turkish government expropriated…
The Continued Need to Combat Anti-Semitism
Nov 10, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 10, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two anniversaries this month highlight the importance of continually confronting and combatting anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it arises.…
Turkey: Reopen Halki
Nov 20, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 20, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today urged the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Halki Seminary, the…
USCIRF Calls for Release of Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch Abune Antonios
Jan 20, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 20, 2015 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – This January marks the eighth anniversary of the illegal removal of Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch Abune Antonios from his position as head of the…
USCIRF Commemorates the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
Apr 23, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2015 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today solemnly marks the 100 year anniversary of the tragic killing of over one million…
The Christian Science Monitor - Is Eritrea the North Korea of Africa?
Aug 18, 2015 FOR YOUR INFORMATIONAugust 18, 2015 | Robert P. George and Thomas J. Reese The following op-ed appeared in The Christian Science Monitor on August 18, 2015 Is Eritrea guilty of crimes against humanity? The question…
Turkey: Reopen Halki Seminary
Nov 24, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 24, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki,…
Turkey: Mixed Findings on Textbooks
Dec 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C – A new study of textbooks used in Turkey’s compulsory “Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge” class found both improvements and issues of concern. The U.S.…
Compulsory Religious Education in Turkey: A Survey and Assessment of Textbooks
A new study of textbooks used in Turkey's compulsory "Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge" class found both improvements and issues of concern. USCIRF sponsored this study, which was conducted by Ziya Meral, a Turkish expert and 2010 USCIRF Crapa Fellow…
USCIRF: Release Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch Abune Antonios
Jan 19, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2016   The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) solemnly marks the 10 year anniversary tomorrow of the illegal removal and detention of Eritrean…
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,…
Philadelphia Inquirer -- Commentary: Release every religious prisoner of conscience
Oct 27, 2016 FOR YOUR INFORMATION October 27, 2016 | By Thomas J. Reese, S.J. and Daniel Mark The following op-ed appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on October 27, 2016    Abdul Shakoor is a member of the…
ERITREA: Release Patriarch Abune Antonios
Jan 18, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2017   WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 20, 2017 marks the 11-year anniversary of the Eritrean government’s illegal removal of Abune Antonios as the rightful Patriarch of the…
Religion News Service: Stripped of his title and illegally replaced, Eritrea’s spiritual leader languishes in detention
Jul 19, 2017 The following op-ed originally appeared in Religion News Service on July 19, 2017 By former USCIRF Commissioner Thomas J. Reese, S.J.   (RNS) — Stories speak to the best and worst in all of us,…
TURKEY: USCIRF Delegation Visits Imprisoned U.S. Citizen Pastor Andrew Brunson
Oct 6, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2017 TURKEY: USCIRF Delegation Visits Imprisoned U.S. Citizen Pastor Andrew Brunson Pastor Brunson says, "Knowing that I am not forgotten is important to me" WASHINGTON, D.C. – Almost…
Press Release: USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Kristina Arriaga Testifies Before the House Oversight Committee
Oct 11, 2017  USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Kristina Arriaga Testifies Before the House Oversight Committee Arriaga tells Members that religious freedom violations “have security implications for the United States"  …
Washington Examiner: Restoring religious freedom in the 'North Korea of Africa'
Oct 19, 2017 The following op-ed appeared in The Washington Examiner on September 26, 2017   By former USCIRF Commissioner Thomas J. Reese   Torture. Arbitrary arrests and detention without charges. A ban…
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,…
Religion News Service: A Presbyterian Pastor Languishes in a Turkish Prison
Jan 17, 2018 This Op-Ed appeared originally in Religion News Service on January 11, 2018. By former USCIRF Commissioners Sandra Jolley and Kristina Arriaga (RNS) — For most pastors, the beginning of a new…
Testimony of Vice Chair Arriaga on Defending Prisoners of Conscience
On February 15, 2018, Vice Chair Kristina Arriaga testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at a hearing on religious prisoners of conscience. In her testimony, Vice Chair Arriaga discussed USCIRF's Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project…
USCIRF Strongly Condemns New Indictment Against Pastor Andrew Brunson, Including Possible Life Sentence
Mar 13, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2018 USCIRF Strongly Condemns New Indictment Against Pastor Andrew Brunson, Including Possible Life Sentence “USCIRF urges President Trump and others in the administration to redouble…
Turkey Misses Opportunity to Release Pastor Andrew Brunson, Sets Next Hearing to May 7
Apr 16, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 16, 2018   Turkey Misses Opportunity to Release Pastor Andrew Brunson, Sets Next Hearing for May 7 “We are deeply disappointed that Turkish officials today decided to prolong their…
Testimony of Commissioner Thomas Reese on Refugees and Religious Freedom Eritrea
On April 18, 2018, Commissioner Father Thomas Reese testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at a hearing on the refugee crisis in Eritrea.In his testimony, Chair Reese discussed USCIRF's Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project.…
Turkey Postpones Hearing to July 18, Sends Pastor Andrew Brunson Back to Prison
May 7, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2018     Turkey Postpones Hearing to July 18, Sends Pastor Andrew Brunson Back to Prison “The judge’s decision at the conclusion of today’s hearing to dismiss all of the…
Pastor Andrew Brunson Returned to Turkish Prison
Jul 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Returned to Turkish Prison “The government of Turkey continues to make a mockery of justice in its treatment of Pastor Brunson,” said USCIRF Vice Chair…
Wall Street Journal: The Pastor Caught in Turkey's Chaos
Jul 24, 2018 This op-ed was originally published by the Wall Street Journal on Jul9 19, 2018. By former USCIRF Commissioner Kristina Arriaga President Trump tweeted Wednesday evening: “A total disgrace that Turkey…
USCIRF Letter to President Trump on Upcoming Visit of Turkish President Recep Erdogan to the United States
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom sent the following letter to President Donald Trump on September 14, 2018. President Donald Trump The White House Washington, DC 20500   Dear Mr. President: I write to you on behalf of the U.S…
Pastor Brunson Is Released
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Is Released “While we welcome this good news, we should not lose sight of other religious freedom concerns in this country,” said Commissioner…
Pastor Andrew Brunson and Wife Depart Turkey
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson and Wife Depart Turkey Commissioner Tony Perkins Accompanies Pastor Brunson and Wife Norine on Plane to U.S. “I want to again commend President…
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 Expresses Condolences on Death of Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, and Calls on Turkey to Allow Free Election of New Patriarch
Mar 8, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2019   USCIRF Expresses Condolences on Death of Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, and Calls on Turkey to Allow Free Election of New Patriarch   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States…
Isaac Mogos
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
Negede Teklemariam
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
Paulos Eyasu
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
Abune Antonios
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Orthodox Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes…
USCIRF Condemns Erdogan’s Threats to Change Status of Hagia Sophia
Mar 28, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2019   USCIRF Condemns Erdogan’s Threats to Change Status of Hagia Sophia   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
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
Country Update: Eritrea — August 2019
Click here to view the August 2019 Country Update: Eritrea.
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…
Kidane Weldou
Gender: Male Current Location: Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant…
Haile Naizghe
Gender: Male Current Location: Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant…
Meron Gebreselasie
Gender: Male Current Location: Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant…
Kiflu Gebremeskel
Gender: Male Current Location: Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant…
USCIRF Urges U.S. Policymakers to Remain Engaged on Religious Freedom in Turkey
Sep 26, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2019 USCIRF Urges U.S. Policymakers to Remain Engaged on Religious Freedom in Turkey Calls on Turkish Government to Cease Interference in Religious Elections   WASHINGTON, DC…
USCIRF Statement on Turkish Offensive in Northeast Syria
Oct 9, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Turkish Offensive in Northeast Syria   WASHINGTON, DC – In response to news reports that Turkey has launched airstrikes on the border region of…
USCIRF Statement on Anniversary of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Release
Oct 10, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Anniversary of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Release   WASHINGTON, DC – On October 12, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Aron Abraha
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Mussie Fessehaye
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Ambakom Tsegazeab
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Bemnet Fissehaye
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Henok Ghebru
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Werede Kiros
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Yonatan Yonas
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Kibreab Fissehaye
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Bereket Abraha Okba-gabr
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Yosief Fessehaye
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Yoel Tsegezab
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Samuel Ghirmay
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Teklu Gebrehiwot
Gender: Male Current Location: Adi Abeto Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Isaias Afeworki
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Milen Isaac
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Faiza Seid
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Hagos Woldemichael
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Araia Ghebremariam
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Tsegabirhan Berhe
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Daniel Meharizghi
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Yosief Tesfamariam
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Ghebru Berhane
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Tekle Gebrehiwet
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Thomas Tesfagabir
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Mardocai Estifanos
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Michael Gashazgi
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Liya Hidru
Gender: Female Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Wintana Shewaseged
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Mikaal Taddesse
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Emnet Woldai
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Senait Berhane
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Bereket Habteyesus
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Habtemariam Meraf Seyum
Gender: Female Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Samuol Dawit
Gender: Female Current Location: Adi Abeto Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Yonatan Asgedom
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Daniel Teka
Gender: Male Current Location: Mai Serwa Prison Perpetrator: Eritrea Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Webinar #5: Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List
Host: Gayle Manchin, Vice ChairSubject Experts: Zack Udin and Kirsten Lavery     For more information, please contact Henry Young at [email protected].
USCIRF Condemns Turkish Air Strikes on Sinjar
Nov 7, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2019     USCIRF Condemns Turkish Air Strikes on Sinjar   WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns recent Turkish air…
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 Condemns Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq
Jun 19, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 19, 2020 USCIRF Condemns Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq Calls on Turkish President to Cease Air Strikes and Violence Targeting Civilian Areas Washington, DC – The U.S.…
Newsweek: Hagia Sophia Must Stay a Monument of Coexistence
Jul 2, 2020 This op-ed originally appeared on Newsweek, on July 2, 2020.  By USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore and  Tugba Tabyeri-Erdemir Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated his desire to convert…
USCIRF Decries Decision to Change Status of the Hagia Sophia
Jul 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Decries Decision to Change Status of the Hagia Sophia  Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) decries the decision of Turkey’s…
Patriarch Abune Antonios
USCIRF ADVOCATE: Johnnie Moore Advocacy: Ope-Ed: Religion News Service -- Stripped of his title and illegally…
Newsweek: U.S. Leaders Must Stand against Turkey’s Atrocities in Northern Syria
Jul 25, 2020 This op-ed originally appeared in Newsweek, on July 25, 2020. By USCIRF Vice Chair Anurima Bhargava and Commissioner Nadine Maenza As the world passively watches, Turkey is currently amassing troops on its…
Patriarch Abune Antonios
USCIRF ADVOCATE: James W. Carr Advocacy: USCIRF Mourns the Passing of Patriarch Abune Antonios…
Pastor Andrew Brunson
USCIRF ADVOCATE: Kristina Arriaga Advocacy: Senate Briefing: Turkey Today –Taking the Temperature of Religious…