Displaying results 1 - 100 of 190

Protecting and Promoting Religious Freedom in Syria
Click here to view USCIRF's report, Promoting and Protecting Religuous Freedom in Syria .
SYRIA: USCIRF Issues Report on "Protecting and Promoting Religious Freedom in Syria"
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…
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…
SYRIA: The Sectarian Divide
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…
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…
July 2013 Factsheet: Syria's Refugee Crisis and its Implications
Click here to view the July 2013 Factsheet: Syria’s Refugee Crisis and its Implications
SYRIA: Religious Minorities Need a Voice at Geneva II Peace Conference
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 Condemns Abduction of more than 200 Assyrian Christians and Urges Their Immediate Release
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…
Syria: Four Years Later
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…
The Philadelphia Inquirer -- Threats to religious freedom
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…
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 Calls for Continued Syrian Refugee Resettlement
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.…
USCIRF Statement on the Designation of Victims of Genocide, Persecution, and Crimes Against Humanity in Syria and Iraq
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…
Syria: Five Years of Suffering Must End
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…
USCIRF Welcomes Genocide Determination; Urges Focus as well on al-Assad Regime
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,…
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,…
Testimony of USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George on "Confronting the Genocide of Religious Minorities: A Way Forward"
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…
From Sinjar to Mosul
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…
SYRIA: Six Years of War
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;…
Georgetown University Berkley Forum: Rising Tide of Religious Freedom Abuses Abroad
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…
USCIRF Commends House Passage of Genocide Accountability Act, Urges Senate Action
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. –…
H.R. 390: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Genocide Bill
Oct 5, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 5, 2017   H.R. 390: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Genocide Bill USCIRF Chairman Mark calls committee action “a key step toward helping victims of ISIS genocide”  …
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,…
The Hill: Protecting Religious Freedom Provides Common Ground for All
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…
USCIRF Applauds Passage of H.R. 390 by Congress
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…
USCIRF Welcomes President Trump Signing the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Tajikistan Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Tajikistan Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Tajikistan.pdf Language English Year…
Syria Annual Report Chapters and Translations
Title 2026 Annual Report - Syria Chapter File Upload USCIRF 2026 Annual Report Syria.pdf Language English Year 2026…
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…
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing Protecting Houses of Worship and Holy Sites
Oct 23 WHEN: Oct 23rd 3:00pm…
USCIRF Virtual Hearing on Safeguarding Religious Freedom in Northeast Syria
Jun 10 WHEN: Jun 10th 10:30am…
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…
Violating Rights: Enforcing the World's Blasphemy Laws
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.…
USCIRF Releases Groundbreaking Report on the Enforcement of Blasphemy Laws Globally
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…
Rustamjon Norov
Gender: Male Perpetrator: Tajikistan Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness Reports of Torture: No…
Religious Freedom Priorities for the Biden Administration
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…
The Situation in Sinjar
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…
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 Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of ISIS Genocide Recognition
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—…
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          
USCIRF Conversation on Ten Years after the Arab Spring: How has Religious Freedom Changed Across the Middle East?
Jun 23 WHEN: Jun 23rd 10:30am…
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: 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,…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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,…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: Administration Source: 2019 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Support efforts through relevant UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and like-minded partners among the…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
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…
Recommendation
Status: partially_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Designate Syria as a CPC and redesignate HTS as an EPC for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious…
Recommendation
Status: implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Syrian government agencies and officials, HTS principals, and the leadership of militias within…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: U.S. Treasury Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Impose targeted sanctions on Syrian government agencies and officials, HTS principals, and the leadership of militias…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: Administration Source: 2021 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…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: Administration Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Recognize the AANES as a legitimate, local government, and accordingly expand U.S. engagement with its institutions, lift…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: U.S. Department of State Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Contribute to efforts in AANES-governed territory to fund and develop local programs to promote religious…
Recommendation
Status: not_implemented Year: Country: Syria Recommended To: USAID Source: 2021 USCIRF Annual Report Recommendation:Contribute to efforts in AANES-governed territory to fund and develop local programs to promote religious tolerance and pluralism…
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…