Displaying results 1 - 100 of 129

CIRF Urges Laos, N. Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2000 Contact: Lawrence J. Goodrich, Communications Director, (202) 523-3240 (202) 523-3240 (202) 523-3240 The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote Friday, July 28 to Secretary of State Madeleine…
Laos Chapters and Summaries
Laos Chapter - 2015 Annual ReportLaos Chapter - 2015 Annual Report (Lao Translation) Laos Chapter - 2014 Annual Report Laos Chapter - 2014 Annual Report (Lao Translation) Laos Chapter - 2013 Annual Report Laos Chapter Summary - 2013 Annual…
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…
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,…
LAOS: President Obama – Highlight Religious Freedom Concerns
Sep 1, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2016   WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Obama soon will visit Laos to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the U.S. Commission on International…
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,…
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…
Jovidon Bobojonov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: Yes…
Laos Country Update
Read the full report here.This report provides a country update on religious freedom conditions in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In 2016, the Lao government updated its regulation of religious freedom with the Decree on Management and Protection…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Laos
May 6, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   May 6, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Laos Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the…
2020 Annual Report Laos Chapter
Title Laos Chapter - 2019 Lao Translation File Upload Laos 2019_Lao translation.pdf Language Lao Year 2019…
Kyrgyzstan Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Kyrgyzstan Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Kyrgyzstan.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…
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          
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: Laos Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Laws Recommendation:Urge the Lao government to Amend Decree 315 in order to clarify administrative procedures and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Laos Recommended To: State Department Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Funding Recommendation:Support programs that increase understanding and awareness of Lao government policies and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Laos Recommended To: U.S. Congress Source: 2019 Annual Report Thematic Area: Diplomacy Recommendation:Send regular congressional delegations to Laos and hold hearings focused on religious freedom and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Laos Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: IVLP Recommendation:The United States should provide more opportunities through IVLP for Lao government officials and…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Laos Recommended To: State Department Source: 2020 Annual Report Thematic Area: Funding Recommendation:U.S. government increase support for such programs in order to build upon the recent improvements…
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…
Laos’ Decree 315 Factsheet
Laos’ Decree 315 Factsheet – This factsheet assesses the religious freedom implications of Decree 315, the implementation of the decree, as well as the ongoing internal review conducted by the government of Laos. Issued in 2016, Decree 315 was an…
USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Laos’ Decree 315
Sep 16, 2021 USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Laos’ Decree 315 Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report highlighting the religious freedom implications of Laos’ Decree on…
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…
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…
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…
Muzaffar Davlatmirov
Additional Name(s): Музаффар Давлатмиров Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a…
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).…
USCIRF Observes International Women’s Day
Mar 8, 2023 USCIRF Observes International Women’s Day Brings Attention to Religious Freedom Violations Abroad Against Women Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today commemorates International Women’s Day, and…
The Diplomat: Will Tajikistan Meaningfully Engage on Religious Freedom?
Apr 25, 2023 This op-ed was originally published by The Diplomat on April 25, 2023. By USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel & Commissioner Eric Ueland The visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion…
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…
USCIRF Welcomes Tajikistan’s Release of Shamil Khakimov and Calls for U.S. Policy Action
May 17, 2023 USCIRF Welcomes Tajikistan’s Release of Shamil Khakimov and Calls for U.S. Policy Action Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of imprisoned Jehovah’s…
Mukhammadi Mukharramov
Additional Name(s): Mohamaddi Rahmatullo, Mohammadi Rahmatullah, Муҳаммадӣ Раҳматуллоҳ, Муҳаррамов Муҳаммад Раҳматуллоевич Gender: Male Current Location: Strict Regime Prison No. 3/1, Vahdat District…
Religious Freedom in Tajikistan: Policy Options for a Country of Particular Concern
Jul 20 WHEN: Jul 20th 10:30am - Jul 20th 12:00pm…
Religion News Service: Repression of women points to worsening religious freedom trends abroad
May 3, 2023 This op-ed was originally published by Religion News Service on May 3, 2023. By USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel & Vice Chair Abraham Cooper Denying religious freedom and women’s rights go hand-in-hand. Over the…
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…
Religious Garb Restrictions
This report analyzes how countries impermissibly restrict individuals’ freedom to wear garb expressing or in accordance with their religion or belief. These restrictions typically involve governments either prohibiting or mandating the wearing of…
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Garb and International Human Rights Law
Nov 20, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Garb and International Human Rights Law Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Religious Garb Restrictions and…
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-…
Tajikistan Country Update
This report provides an overview of religious freedom conditions and developments in Tajikistan. It details the legal framework regulating religion, the situation of Sunni and Ismaili Shi’a Muslims, issues impacting Christian communities, and cases of…
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Tajikistan
Dec 11, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Tajikistan Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Tajikistan Country Update – This report provides an…
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…
Abdullo Shamsiddin
Additional Name(s): Abdullohi Shamsiddin, Абдуллоҳи Шамсиддин Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni…