Search
Displaying results 5801 - 5900 of 6352
The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) uses state-controlled religious organizations to control religious life and to intimidate and pressure independent religious communities into submission. A state-controlled religious organization is a religious group…
This report provides an overview of ISIS’s genocide and other crimes against Iraq’s religious minorities beginning in the summer 2014. ISIS used mass execution, forced conversion to Islam, abduction, rape, and slavery against Iraqi and Syrian Yazidis;…
Sep 30, 2024
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Challenges in Iraq 10 Years After ISIS’s Genocide
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following new report:
Religious Freedom…
This report highlights how throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished. These events constitute…
Oct 2, 2024
USCIRF Releases Report on India’s Collapsing Religious Freedom Conditions
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:
India Country Update – This report…
Additional Name(s):
Абдумутал Абдураҳимов
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Akhangaran District Labor Camp No. 48
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
This report provides an update on freedom of religion or belief in Algeria. The government currently criminalizes blasphemy and restricts religious practice, worship, and observance. It persecutes members of faith-based…
Oct 8, 2024
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Algeria
Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:
Algeria Country Update - This report provides an update on…
Oct 28, 2024
USCIRF Observes International Religious Freedom Day
Calls for Greater Advocacy for Release of Religious Prisoners of Conscience
Washington, DC – This past weekend marked the 26th anniversary of the signing of the International Religious…
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…
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…
Nov 8, 2024
USCIRF Abhors Recent Spate of Egregious Religious Freedom Violations in Iran
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns the persistent egregious violations of religious freedom in Iran.…
Nov 19
WHEN:
Nov 19th 10:00am…
Nov 15, 2024
On today’s episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck joins Senior Strategic Advisor Elizabeth Cassidy to reflect on his trip to the United Kingdom. Marked by a special relationship, the United States, and the…
Nov 18, 2024
USCIRF Mourns the Passing of Former Commissioner Felice Gaer – A Relentless Advocate for the Dignity of Every Person
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was saddened to learn of the recent…
Additional Name(s):
Li Qin
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Liu Ze
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God
Sentence:
7 Years’ Imprisonment…
Additional Name(s):
Qiulan
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God
Reports of…
Additional Name(s):
Yao Fuchan, qimu
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Li Xun
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Yi Ran
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Four years after USCIRF’s 2020 publication on the global persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, countries continue to prosecute and impose harsh penalties on the community for their religious beliefs and peaceful religious activities. Hundreds of Jehovah’s…
Nov 22, 2024
USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report:
Religious Freedom Challenges for Jehovah’s…
Dec 4, 2024
USCIRF Commends Administration’s Efforts Negotiating Release of Religious Prisoners, Including a U.S. Citizen, Held in China
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the U.S. government’…
Dec 12, 2024
USCIRF Alarmed over Escalating Crackdown in Vietnam
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by the Vietnamese government’s escalating crackdown on independent religious communities—…
This factsheet provides an overview of the key political appointments within the U.S. government that are most relevant to international religious freedom (IRF). The primary IRF positions that the president appoints derive from the International…
Dec 13, 2024
USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Key International Religious Freedom Appointments for the Incoming Donald J. Trump Administration
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the…
Dec 23, 2024
USCIRF Welcomes Senator Schumer’s Appointment of Ariela Dubler to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Washington, DC – Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced on December 20, 2024 the appointment of Ariela Dubler…
Dec 26, 2024
USCIRF Welcomes the Acquittal of Rhoda Jatau
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) applauds the December 19 decision of a court in Bauchi State, Nigeria, to acquit Christian nurse…
Central Asian governments’ legislation, including extremism laws, has been influenced by decades of Soviet rule of the region. When the governments of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan enforce extremism laws, they…
Dec 31, 2024
USCIRF Releases Report on the Abuse of Extremism Laws in Central Asia
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:
The Abuse of Extremism Laws in Central Asia –…
Standing with the Silenced – Leveraging the Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List
Feb 06
WHEN:
Feb 6th 1:30pm…
Additional Name(s):
Mozdeh Fallahi
Gender:
Female
Current Location:
Pelak-e 100 detention center
Perpetrator:
Iran
Religion or Belief:…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Shahr-e Kord Prison
Perpetrator:
Iran
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sufi
Reports of Torture…
Jan 8, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes News of Mubarak Bala’s Release from Prison in Nigeria
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes news of the release from prison of humanist Mubarak Bala. Arrested in 2020…
Jan 18, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes Release of Wrongfully Imprisoned Religious Leaders and Adherents in Cuba
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of Cuban Santería practitioners…
Jan 21, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes Secretary Rubio’s Confirmation, Calls for Religious Freedom Designations
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the unanimous bipartisan confirmation of Secretary of…
Additional Name(s):
ဆလိုင်းဧလလုံးဝေ
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Pyay Prison, Bago region
Perpetrator:
Burma
Ethnic Group:
Chin…
Jan 31, 2025
USCIRF Alarmed by Regressive Amendments to Kyrgyz Laws
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) decries recent amendments to the religion law and related legislation in Kyrgyzstan. The…
Jan 31, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes Release of Two Religious Prisoners of Conscience Imprisoned on Blasphemy Charges in Egypt
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of Abdulbaqi…
Feb 11, 2025
Meir Soloveichik Elected as USCIRF Vice Chair
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) unanimously elected Meir Soloveichik as its Vice Chair following former Vice Chair Eric Ueland’s departure from the…
Feb 27
WHEN:
Feb 27th 10:30am…
Feb 15, 2025
USCIRF Marks the 10th Anniversary of the Execution of 21 Christians in Libya
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) solemnly commemorates the 10th anniversary of the ruthless abduction and…
Feb 19, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in EgyptWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious freedom in Egypt:Egypt Country Update – This…
This report assesses the situation of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Egypt. While in certain respects the government continues to support initiatives that selectively promote religious diversity and tolerance, Egypt is systematically enforcing…
Feb 20, 2025
USCIRF Urges Resumption of Lautenberg-Specter Program
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the Trump administration, as it reviews U.S. refugee policy, to prioritize reopening the legal pathway…
Feb 20, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes the Release of Two Religious Prisoners in Saudi Arabia
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes news of the release from prison of Salma al-Shehab and…
Press Releases & Statements View all Press Releases & Statements
#background-3797{background-image: url("/sites/default/files/2026-01/Screenshot%202025-11-18%20124213%20Press%20release%…
Expedited removal is a process to screen and swiftly remove certain noncitizens at U.S. ports of entry or at or near the U.S. border, with safeguards to protect bona fide asylum seekers. The report highlights persistent flaws in the U.S. government’s…
Feb 28, 2025
USCIRF Releases Updated Recommendations on Asylum Seekers in Expedited Removal
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:
Barriers to Protection as of 2024: Updated…
Persecutors
AzerbaijanEldar IsmayilovTaleh MustafayevMayil BayramovSabuhi HuseynovChinaChen PengLi QianwenLi XiaoyuanLi GuowenChen FengGui HuiyanZhou ZhengyuanLi XiaotingIranIman AfshariHojat…
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…
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…
May 05
WHEN:
May 5th 2:00pm
-
May 5th 3:30pm…
Apr 10, 2025
USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Seek Iranian Concessions on Religious Freedom in Oman DiscussionsWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the Trump administration to demand accountability…
Apr 11, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes Nominations to Advance International Religious Freedom and Combat AntisemitismWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Donald J. Trump’s nominations of former…
Russia has intensified its enforcement of laws targeting perceived offensive expression toward religion, religious texts, and religious leaders. The Criminal Code penalizes “insulting the religious feelings of believers,” a vague, undefined standard…
Apr 14, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy EnforcementWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Prosecuting Blasphemy in Russia – Russia has…
Apr 22, 2025
USCIRF Offers Condolences on the Death of Pope Francis Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) offers its condolences to the Catholic community worldwide as it mourns Pope Francis, and to…
Apr 25, 2025
USCIRF Condemns Attack in KashmirWashington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian citizens and one…
Apr 28, 2025
USCIRF Alarmed by Repatriation of Afghan RefugeesWashington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), is alarmed by the Pakistani government’s rapid and ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees to Taliban-…
May 1, 2025
In recent years, USCIRF has reported declining religious freedom conditions in India, as the government continues to enforce and strengthen legislation that disproportionately impacts religious minorities, including anti-conversion…
May 13, 2025
USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Secure FoRB Commitments from QatarWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges President Donald J. Trump to raise religious freedom concerns during his visit to…
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.…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Religious Freedom Conditions in Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan." Witnesses discussed current religious freedom conditions throughout the country, including the Taliban’s systematic enforcement of…
May 15, 2025
USCIRF Expresses Gratitude to Outgoing Commissioner Susie Gelman Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expresses sincere gratitude to Susie Gelman for her dedication to advancing freedom of…
May 16, 2025
The religious freedom situation in Azerbaijan remains highly restricted. The government subjects virtually all religious practices to intrusive state oversight. Shi'a Muslims who do not operate within the government's preferred…
May 16, 2025
USCIRF Welcomes the Holy See's Commitment to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief for the PersecutedWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is encouraged by the Holy See's commitment to raise…
May 23, 2025
At the end of 2024, over thirteen years since the onset of Syria’s protracted civil war, the country’s political landscape dramatically shifted when a rebel coalition toppled the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Religious freedom…
May 24, 2025
USCIRF Condemns Rising Attacks on Ahmadiyya Muslims in PakistanWashington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns increasing attacks against members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan…
May 30, 2025
The governments of Central Asia—that is Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—influenced by decades of Soviet rule, maintain similar legislation to combat “extremism.” Each of these governments uses these laws…
Additional Name(s):
Futsum Gebrenegus
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Wenjel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center
Perpetrator:
Eritrea…
Jun 9, 2025
Vicky Hartzler Elected Chair of Bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Asif Mahmood Elected Vice ChairWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Orthodox…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant…
Jun 18, 2025
USCIRF Reiterates Call for CPC Designation for Nigeria Weekend Attack on Catholic Mission Exacerbates the Religious Freedom Crisis in Africa’s Largest CountryWashington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing "Governance in Nigeria: Foundation for Securing Freedom of Religion or Belief." Witnesses discussed religious freedom conditions throughout the country, including violence targeting religious…
Jun 20, 2025
This op-ed was originally published by Religion News Service on June 20, 2025.By USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler and Commissioner Stephen SchneckWords fail to express the sorrow felt for those who suddenly lost their lives in the Air India plane…
The Russian government perpetrates particularly severe violations of religious freedom against a range of religious groups and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) actors, in blatant violation of international law. This report provides updates on…
Jun 30, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in RussiaWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Russia Country Update – The Russian government…
At the end of 2024, over 13 years since the onset of Syria’s protracted civil war, the country’s political landscape dramatically shifted when a coalition of Islamist rebels toppled the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Since then, religious…
Jul 1, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom and U.S. Policy in Post-Assad SyriaWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Religious Freedom and U.S. Policy…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Center
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Orthodox…
Jul 7, 2025
USCIRF Reiterates Calls for Special Coordinator for Tibetan IssuesU.S. Government Cannot Allow China to Interfere in the Dalai Lama’s SuccessionWashington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reiterates its call…
Jul 8, 2025
USCIRF Sent a Delegation to Kyrgyzstan to Assess Religious FreedomWashington, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Vicky Hartzler and Vice Chair Asif Mahmood led a delegation to Kyrgyzstan in late…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Jul 14, 2025
China has been described as the “most prolific,” “sophisticated, far-reaching, and comprehensive” perpetrator of transnational repression in the world. It has targeted many religious communities in diaspora, including Uyghur Muslims,…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Jul 18, 2025
USCIRF Condemns Violence against Syria’s Druze Community Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns this week’s outbreak of violence against Syria’s Druze community…