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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 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…
...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…
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…
...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…
Title
2025 Annual Report - Sri Lanka Chapter
File Upload
Sri Lanka 2025 USCIRF Annual Report.pdf
Language
English
Year
2025…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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"
…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jun 24
WHEN:
Jun 24th 6:59pm…
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
Jul 24
WHEN:
Jul 24th 1:00pm
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Jul 24th 1:00pm…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Feb 11
WHEN:
Feb 11th 10:30am…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
USCIRF ADVOCATE: Kristina Arriaga
Advocacy:
Senate Briefing: Turkey Today –Taking the Temperature of Religious…
Title
Laos Chapter - 2019 Lao Translation
File Upload
Laos 2019_Lao translation.pdf
Language
Lao
Year
2019…
Title
2026 Annual Report - Turkey Chapter
File Upload
USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Turkey.pdf
Language
English
Year
2026…
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…
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…
Oct 23
WHEN:
Oct 23rd 3:00pm…
Aug 05
WHEN:
Aug 5th 10:30am…
Oct 15
WHEN:
Oct 15th 1:00pm
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Oct 15th 2:00pm…
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 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…
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…
Apr 24, 2021
USCIRF Welcomes Administration’s Historic Decision to Recognize Armenian Genocide
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Joseph R. Biden’s historic decision to recognize the…
May 20, 2021
It’s been 50 years since the Turkish government closed the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki, also known as the Halki Seminary. The school continues to be unable to educate or train clergy in a country…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Press the Turkish government to publicly rebuke government officials who make anti-Semitic statements or other…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Press the Turkish government to fulfill private and public commitments that the Greek Orthodox Halki Seminary…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Urge the Turkish government to ensure the education curriculum remains inclusive of all of Turkey’s religious…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Press the Turkish government to streamline measures that would permit non-Sunni Muslim faith communities to…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Urge the Turkish government to fully comply with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings on freedom…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: Congress
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:The U.S. Congress should pass the Defending United States Citizens and Diplomatic Staff from Political Prosecutions Act of…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Direct the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Istanbul and Adana to track religious communities’ efforts…
Status: partially_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Raise in all meetings with Turkish government officials and press at the highest levels for the…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2020 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Include Turkey on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: Congress
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:The U.S. Congress should incorporate consideration of Turkey’s treatment of religious minorities and broader human rights…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Require a thorough review regarding the inclusion of objects that constitute the religious and cultural…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Thematic Area: Houses of Worship
Recommendation:Direct the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Istanbul and Adana…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Raise in all meetings with Turkish government officials and press at the highest levels for the reopening of…
Status: not_implemented
Year:
Country: Turkey
Recommended To: U.S. Department of State
Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report
Recommendation:Include Turkey on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jul 2, 2021
On July 2, 1993 a mob set fire to the Madimak Hotel in Sivas, Turkey—where a group of prominent Alevi writers, poets, and thinkers had gathered. Reports show 37 people died in what became known as the Sivas (or…
Destruction of Cemeteries – This factsheet outlines international human rights law that defines the obligations of governments to protect the cultural heritage of religious communities’ cemeteries. Additionally, it describes specific examples…
Sep 1, 2021
USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on Destruction of Cemeteries
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on the destruction of…
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…
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…
Sri Lanka is a diverse country where complex ethno-religious divisions contribute to tension among the various communities. Despite protections guaranteed by the constitution and international law, Muslims and other religious minorities suffer abusive…
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…
In 2021, religious freedom conditions in Turkey have remained poor. The Turkish government has continued to carry out actions, deliberate inactions, and rhetoric to fuel a political environment that is hostile to religious minorities. Little effort has…
Dec 3, 2021
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Turkey
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:
Turkey Country…
Dec 10, 2021
Religious freedom conditions in Turkey continue to follow a disappointing, negative trajectory. The Hagia Sophia conversion, the continued closure of the Halki Seminary, government meddling in the internal affairs…
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…
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…
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…
Jul 7, 2022
This past spring, USCIRF staff traveled to Turkey and met with religious and nonbelief communities across the country. Numerous issues continue to negatively impact their freedom of religion or belief, including an…
Aug 3, 2022
USCIRF Commemorates the Eighth Anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide
Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today joined communities around the world in…
This report provides an overview of religious freedom conditions in Sri Lanka in 2022. This past year, the country sank into a severe economic crisis that precipitated a serious lack of fuel and basic necessities. As a result of this crisis and overall…
Nov 25, 2022
Alevis constitute the largest religious minority in Turkey and have faced persistent obstacles to the exercise of their religious freedom. In October 2022, the Turkish government announced its plan to create a new state-run Alevi institution—…