Apr 19, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal agency created to monitor religious freedom abuses abroad and make policy recommendations to the…
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…
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…
May 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 16, 2013 | By USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The two-year armed conflict in Syria has left at least 80,000 people dead and more than 5 million displaced. In his May 13, 2013 press conference with…
Jul 8, 2013
FOR YOUR INFORMATIONJuly 8, 2013 | By Katrina Lantos Swett
The following appeared in Eurasia Review on July 4th, 2013.
Last Saturday, on June 29, I was honored to speak in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the Ahmadiyya…
Nov 13, 2013
FOR YOUR INFORMATIONNovember 12, 2013 | By Katrina Lantos Swett and Mary Ann Glendon
The following op-ed appeared in CNN World on November 12, 2013.
Editor's note: Katrina Lantos Swett is Vice Chairwoman of…
Jan 15, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 14, 2014| USCIRF
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today urged the U.S. government to emphasize the plight of religious minorities and the protection of…
USCIRF Vice Chair Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett testified on Friday, April 4 before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission during a hearing entitled, "The Plight of Religious Minorities in India."
Click here to view the full written testimony…
Feb 6, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 6, 2015 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commends President Obama for deepening relations with India while also recognizing…
Feb 27, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 27, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the abduction of more than 200 Assyrian Christians by militants of the…
Mar 16, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 16, 2015 | USCIRF
WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 15 marked the 4th anniversary of the protests in Damascus, Aleppo and Daraa which set the stage for the Syrian conflict. On this sad…
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…
Dec 1, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 1, 2015
USCIRF Calls for Continued Syrian Refugee Resettlement
Rigorous individualized vetting allows the United States to both welcome Syrian refugees and protect security.…
Dec 7, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 7, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today issued the following statement:
USCIRF calls on the U.S. government to…
Mar 3, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indian government today failed to issue visas to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in time for a long planned…
Mar 14, 2016
For Immediate Release
March 14, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 15 marks the 5th anniversary of the peaceful protests that set the stage for the Syrian conflict. This conflict has spawned a…
Mar 18, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MArch 18, 2016
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the State Department’s decision proclaiming that groups including Yazidis,…
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,…
USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George testified on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at a hearing entitled "Confronting the Genocide of Religious Minorities: A Way Forward."From the testimony:
"USCIRF in 2015 called on the U…
Aug 30, 2016
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
August 30, 2016 | Daniel I. Mark and Sandra Jolley
The following op/ed appeared in Religion News Service on August 30, 2016
(RNS) Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was a 6-year-old boy when he…
Nov 10, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As coalition forces begin the liberation of Mosul, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) notes that November 13 is the one-year…
Feb 8, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report, Constitutional and Legal Challenges Faced by Religious Minorities in India, examines India’s constitution and national and state laws…
Mar 15, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 15 marks the 6th anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict. Since the conflict began, an estimated 400,000 people have been killed;…
Apr 27, 2017
The following op-ed appeared in the Georgetown University Berkley Forum on April 26, 2017.
The op-ed also appeared in Religious Freedom Institute: Cornerstone.
By former USCIRF Commissioner Thomas J. Reese…
Jun 9, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USCIRF Commends House Passage of Genocide Accountability Act
Urges Senate Action
USCIRF declares that “the perpetrators of genocide must be held to account”
WASHINGTON, D.C. –…
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,…
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…
Nov 29, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 29, 2018
USCIRF Applauds Passage of H.R. 390 by Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today applauded…
The full report may be found here.Summary of Findings
The right to freely choose and change one’s religion is protected under international law, as is the right to manifest one’s beliefs through teaching those beliefs. While there is a right to propagate…
Dec 11, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2018
New USCIRF Report: Anti-Conversion Laws on the Rise in South Asia
USCIRF Calls on U.S. to Press South Asian Governments to Rescind These Laws
WASHINGTON, DC –…
Dec 11, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2018
USCIRF Welcomes President Trump Signing the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on…
Jun 26, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2019
USCIRF Statement on Mob Lynching of Muslim Man in India
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the reported murder of Tabrez Ansari by a mob in the eastern state of Jharkhand in India…
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
Aug 27, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [AUGUST 27, 2019]
USCIRF Statement on Indian Government’s “Religious Test” for Muslims in Assam
WASHINGTON, DC – Residents of the northeastern Indian state of Assam face an August…
Oct 1, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2019
On October 2, the world will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In honor of Gandhi’s life and principles, United States Commission on International…
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…
Nov 19, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2019
Fate of Nearly 2 million in Assam, India Examined in New USCIRF Report
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (…
Dec 9, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2019
USCIRF Raises Serious Concerns and Eyes Sanctions Recommendations for Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in India, Which Passed Lower House Today
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission…
Feb 19, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2020
USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Click here to view the February 2020 Factsheet on The Citizenship (Amendment) Act in IndiaIn December 2019, the Indian Parliament passed into law the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). This law provides a fast track to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim…
Apr 14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2020
USCIRF Welcomes Indian Supreme Court Decision on Assam Detention Centers as a First Step
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed…
Jul 20, 2020
This op-ed was originally published by The Washington Examiner, on July 20, 2020.
By USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin and USCIRF Vice Chair Tony Perkins
In Iraq, the 50th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces has…
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…
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…
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…
Click here to view the report Violating Rights: Enforcing the World’s Blasphemy Laws
USCIRF’s groundbreaking report examines the enforcement of blasphemy laws worldwide. Blasphemy laws criminalize expressions that insults or offends religious doctrines.…
Dec 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
USCIRF Releases Groundbreaking Report on the Enforcement of Blasphemy Laws Globally
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a…
Feb 4, 2021
As the Biden administration begins to formulate its broader human rights policy, USCIRF highlights several priority countries when it comes to international religious freedom. Condemning and preventing…
Feb 18, 2021
In recent years, northern Iraq has become a battleground for Turkish armed forces and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). In June 2020, Turkey escalated their attacks in the region, announcing military…
Mar 17, 2021
USCIRF Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of ISIS Genocide Recognition
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today joins religious communities in Iraq and Syria—…
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…
May 27, 2021
Blasphemy laws criminalize expression that insults or offends religious doctrines. Such laws are often used to restrict freedom of religion or belief. As of 2020, 84 countries still had blasphemy laws. The severity…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: USCIRF Hearing: Safeguarding Religious Freedom in Northeast Syria
Recommendation:Demand the inclusion of the AANES in all activities pursuant to U.N. Res. 2254,…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: USCIRF Hearing: Safeguarding Religious Freedom in Northeast Syria
Recommendation:Recognize the AANES as a legitimate, local government, expand U.S. engagement…
Status: implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Provide immediate and effective assistance to Syria’s vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities under the terms of the Iraq…
Status: partially_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Ensure that the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeastern Syria is conducted in such a manner that will…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Advocate for the inclusion of representatives from the autonomous administration of Kurdish-majority northeast Syria,…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Continue and prioritize the resettlement of Syrian refugees to the United States—subject to proper vetting—with priority…
Status: partially_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Designate Syria as a CPC and redesignate HTS as an EPC for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious…
Status: partially_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: US Treasury
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Syrian government agencies and officials, HTS principals, and the leadership of militias…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Exert pressure on and engage with Turkey to provide a timeline for its withdrawal from all territory that it occupies as…
Status: partially_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Recognize the AANES as a legitimate, local government, and accordingly expand U.S. engagement with its institutions…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Syria
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Contribute to efforts in AANES-governed territory to fund and develop local programs to promote religious…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Press the Indian government to allow a USCIRF delegation to visit the country and meet with stakeholders to…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Work with the Indian government to create a multiyear strategy to ebb the flow of hate crimes targeting…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Strengthening the training and capacity of state and central police to prevent and punish cases of religious…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Encouraging passage of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to establish national and state…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Assisting the Ministry of Law and Justice to work with state prosecutors to increase the rate of prosecutions…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Increase the U.S. Embassy’s focus on religious freedom and related human rights through continued visits to…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Advocate for the Indian central government to ensure that the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act is not used…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Designate India as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for engaging in and tolerating systematic,…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Strengthen the U.S. Embassy’s and consulates’ engagement with religious communities, local officials, and…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: Congress
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:The U.S. Congress should continue to hold hearings highlighting religious freedom conditions in India and U.S. policy toward…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Designate India as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for engaging in and tolerating systematic,…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: India
Recommended To: Administration
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing…