Displaying results 101 - 161 of 161

Shwe Nya War
Additional Name(s): U Pinnyasiha, Shwe Nya War Sayadaw, ပညာသီဟ, ရွှေညဝါဆရာတော် ဦးပညာသီဟ Gender: Male Perpetrator: Burma Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Theravada…
Rohingya Genocide Determination and Accountability
Apr 1, 2022 The Rohingya community in Burma have been targeted by the Burmese military (known as the Tatmadaw) with mass killings and rape since 2017, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the country. Since the military coup…
USA Today: This Easter, don't forget about persecuted Christians around the world
Apr 16, 2022 This op-ed was originally published by USA Today on April 16, 2022. By USCIRF Commissioners Jim Carr and Fred Davie The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has long advocated for the…
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…
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…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution
May 12, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Global…
Pursuing Justice and Accountability: Next Steps for the Rohingya Community of Burma
Pursuing Justice and Accountability: Next Steps for the Rohingya Community of Burma – On March 21, 2022, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced the Biden Administration had determined that the atrocities committed by the Burmese military, known…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Burma
May 12, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Burma Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Pursuing Justice and Accountability: Next Steps…
The 5th Anniversary of the Rohingya Genocide
Aug 25, 2022 August 25 marks the fifth anniversary of the start of the Burmese military’s genocidal campaign against the Rohingya people. The violence resulted in thousands of Rohingya dead, hundreds of thousands internally…
USCIRF Calls for Justice on Fifth Anniversary of Genocidal Campaign Against the Rohingya
Aug 25, 2022 USCIRF Calls for Justice on Fifth Anniversary of Genocidal Campaign Against the Rohingya Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marked the fifth anniversary…
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…
Hkalam Samson
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Burma Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of Torture: No Reports of Medical…
Reflecting on USCIRF’s Visit to Cox’s Bazar
Dec 9, 2022 In November 2022, USCIRF visited Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, to assess the current conditions and issues that Burmese Rohingya refugees are facing. The Rohingya community, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from Burma, have long fled…
Burma Policy Update
This report highlights religious freedom conditions in Burma and the situation for the Rohingya refugee community in Bangladesh. In November 2022, USCIRF met with refugees in Cox’s Bazar, members of intergovernmental organizations, and representatives…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Burma
Dec 14, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Burma Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Burma Policy Update – This report highlights religious freedom conditions…
Two Years after the Coup: Religious Freedom in a Contested Burma
Feb 08 WHEN: Feb 8th 10:30am…
USCIRF Calls for Accountability of Tatmadaw at Two Year Anniversary of Coup in Burma
Feb 1, 2023 USCIRF Calls for Accountability of Tatmadaw at Two Year Anniversary of Coup in Burma  Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marked the second anniversary of the military coup in…
Thian Lian Sang
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Burma Ethnic Group: Chin Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant Reports of Torture: No…
USCIRF Welcomes Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis
Mar 13, 2023 USCIRF Welcomes Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the launch of the 2023 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya…
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…
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 Calls for Action Against Burmese Military’s Genocidal Campaign and Expanded Assistance for Rohingya Survivors
Aug 25, 2023 USCIRF Calls for Action Against Burmese Military’s Genocidal Campaign and Expanded Assistance for Rohingya Survivors Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) marks the sixth anniversary of 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…
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 Commemorates 75th Anniversary of UN Genocide Convention, Seeks Justice for Genocide Victims
Dec 7, 2023 USCIRF Commemorates 75th Anniversary of UN Genocide Convention, Seeks Justice for Genocide Victims Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) observes the International Day of Commemoration and…
USCIRF at TLHRC Hearing: Discrimination and Persecution Against Muslims Worldwide
Jun 30 WHEN: Jun 30th 10:00am…
USCIRF at TLHRC Hearing: Violations of the International Right to Freedom of Religion: Christians
Jun 27 WHEN: Jun 27th 10:00am…
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…
Religious Freedom in Southeast Asia: Techno-Authoritarianism and Transnational Influences
Jan 25 WHEN: Jan 25th 3:30pm…
USCIRF Calls for Greater Protection of Religious Sites in Conflict Areas
Jan 23, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Greater Protection of Religious Sites in Conflict Areas Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on all parties to armed conflicts around the world to abide by…
USCIRF at TLHRC Hearing: Mass Atrocities Prevention
Feb 06 WHEN: Feb 6th 10:30am…
USCIRF Calls Attention to Prevalence of Anti-Muslim Hate Around the World
Mar 15, 2024 USCIRF Calls Attention to Prevalence of Anti-Muslim Hate Around the World Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed at the proliferation of incidents and expressions of anti-Muslim…
USCIRF Urges for a Path Forward for Victims of Rohingya Genocide
Mar 21, 2024 USCIRF Urges for a Path Forward for Victims of Rohingya Genocide Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) marks two years since the U.S. Department of State’s designation of genocide and crimes…
USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy
May 1, 2024 USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy Highlights State of Religious Freedom Abroad after 25 Years of IRFA Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
2024 Annual Report
Highlights from USCIRF’s 2024 Annual Report Numbers-at-a-Glance 17 countries recommended for “country of particular concern” (CPC) designation 1 new country recommended for CPC designation 11 countries recommended for the State Department’s “Special…
Protection of Religious Sites during Armed Conflict
This report provides an overview of international humanitarian law’s protections for religious sites in conflict zones. The Geneva Conventions and their accompanying Protocols establish that religious sites may not be used for military purposes or…
USCIRF Releases New Report on Protection of Religious Sites During Armed Conflict
May 14, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Protection of Religious Sites During Armed Conflict Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Protection of Religious Sites…
Burma Country Update
In 2024, the situation in Burma continues to deteriorate as the military junta loses control while ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are consolidating territory and establishing parallel government structures. These escalating conflicts negatively…
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Burma
Oct 31, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Burma Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:  Burma Country Update - In 2024, the situation in…
Salai Ayla Lone Wai
Additional Name(s): ဆလိုင်းဧလလုံးဝေ Gender: Male Current Location: Pyay Prison, Bago region Perpetrator: Burma Ethnic Group: Chin…
Burma in Transition: Next Steps to Advance Religious Freedom and Improve Conditions for Religious Victims 
Feb 27 WHEN: Feb 27th 10:30am…
USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual Report
Mar 25, 2025 USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual ReportWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released its 2025 Annual Report. The report documents religious freedom conditions in 2024 and recommends policy…
2025 Annual Report
Highlights from USCIRF’s 2025 Annual ReportNumbers-at-a-Glance16 countries recommended for “country of particular concern” (CPC) designation12 countries recommended for the State Department’s “Special Watch List” (SWL)7 entities recommended…
Burma Hearing Summary
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Burma in Transition: Next Steps to Advance Religious Freedom." Expert witnesses discussed the ongoing conflict’s disastrous impact on religious freedom, updates on refugee conditions, and U.S.…
Justice and Accountability Still Lacking Eight Years After the Rohingya Genocide
Aug 25, 2025 Justice and Accountability Still Lacking Eight Years After the Rohingya GenocideWashington, DC – Today marks eight years since the Tatmadaw’s brutal military campaign against Rohingya Muslims that killed tens of thousands and displaced over one…
India Expels Rohingya Refugees and Muslim Citizens
Sep 4, 2025 India Expels Rohingya Refugees and Muslim Citizens Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned by the Indian government’s expulsion of Rohingya refugees back to Burma. This effort to…
Preventing Mass Atrocities Targeting Religious Communities
Religious freedom violations and the targeting of religious identities can play a significant role in elevating the risk of mass killings and atrocities. In fact, more than half of the top 30 countries most at risk of mass killings are identified in…
Promoting Religious Freedom is a Vital Atrocity Prevention Tool
Sep 9, 2025 Promoting Religious Freedom is a Vital Atrocity Prevention ToolWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on the link between atrocity prevention and international religious…
The Responsibility of Host Countries to Protect Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution — Examples from South and Southeast Asia
As the refugee population increases, including those fleeing religious persecution, more than two-thirds remain in neighboring countries. Cases in South and Southeast Asia, such as Uyghurs in Thailand, Afghans in Pakistan, and the Rohingya in Bangladesh…
USCIRF Releases Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution
Oct 1, 2025  USCIRF Releases Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious PersecutionWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on refugees fleeing religious persecution:The Responsibility of…
A Religious Freedom Lifeline to Burma’s Persecuted People of Faith Needs to be Extended
Oct 29, 2025  A Religious Freedom Lifeline to Burma’s Persecuted People of Faith Needs to be ExtendedWashington, DC – As the Burmese military escalates its vicious war on its own people, its strategy of violence targeting religious gatherings and…
Advancing FoRB Through Targeted Programming
Apr 24, 2026  Alongside advocacy efforts, targeted programming is a tool certain governments and intergovernmental agencies use to strengthen religious freedom. There have been several key programs that have advanced international religious freedom in…
International Accountability for Burma's Atrocities Against Religious Minorities
May 5, 2026  Despite sanctions and repeated condemnation against the Burmese military, the ruling junta continues to unleash brutal attacks against its own people, including religious minorities such as Muslim-majority Rohingya and Christian-majority…
Universal Jurisdiction as a Tool for Accountability in Burma
May 5, 2026  The Burmese military maintains its grip over Burma through arson, arbitrary detentions, airstrikes, killings, and other forms of intimidation and violence to instill fear in its people, including ethnoreligious minorities such as Rohingya…