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In July 2024, student-led protests ushered in a new political movement and the installation of a new caretaker government in Bangladesh. Since then, the caretaker government has proposed a wide range of amendments, reforms, and constitutional changes,…
Jul 21, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Bangladesh Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Bangladesh: Bangladesh Factsheet – In July 2024, student-led protests ushered…
This report provides an update on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria. Twelve state governments and the federal government enforce blasphemy laws, prosecuting and imprisoning individuals perceived to have insulted religion. There are currently four…
Jul 21, 2025
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Nigeria Country Update - This report provides an…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Religious Freedom Conditions in Azerbaijan." Witnesses discussed the state of religious freedom in Azerbaijan and shared recommendations for the U.S. government to support religious freedom in the…
Jul 24, 2025
USCIRF Delegation Traveled to Kazakhstan to Assess Religious Freedom ConditionsWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Vicky Hartzler and Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi visited…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
This report evaluates the Islamic Republic of Iran’s continued violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) both domestically and abroad. It highlights the government’s recent targeting of religious minorities—including Baha’is, Jews, Christians,…
Jul 28, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in IranWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:Iran Country Update – This report evaluates the Islamic Republic of…
Jul 31, 2025
One of the most important elements of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 is the requirement for the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the world’s worst violators of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern and…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Investigation Prison No. 5 in Karshi (Shaykhali Prison)
Perpetrator:
Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Sunni…
Additional Name(s):
Pavel Davidovich Shreider
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
Kyrgyzstan
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant…
This factsheet assesses freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) conditions in areas of northern Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement. Following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, the Houthis have escalated their systematic and egregious violations…
Aug 6, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in Houthi-Controlled Areas of YemenWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on religious freedom in Houthi-controlled…
Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have entrenched Sudan in a brutal civil war. Both sides have committed atrocities and human rights violations that have impacted Sudanese civilians. Religious freedom…
Aug 8, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom Violations Amid Sudan’s Two-Year ConflictWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Sudan:Sudan’s War and Its Implications for…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Freedom of Religion or Belief in Russia." Witnesses discussed religious freedom conditions in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine. They also shared recommendations for the U.S. government to…
In August 2024, the Taliban introduced the law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, known colloquially as the “morality law.” This law expands on and imposes harsher punishments on all Afghans who fail to observe the Taliban’s struct…
Four Years after the Taliban’s Takeover, “Morality Law” Imposes Harsh Religious Freedom Restrictions
Aug 15, 2025
Four Years after the Taliban’s Takeover, “Morality Law” Imposes Harsh Religious Freedom Restrictions Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Afghanistan: …
Aug 18, 2025
The Nigerian federal government enforces blasphemy laws that include a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment for acts “persons consider as a public insult on their religion.” Twelve Nigerian state governments also enforce their own…
Aug 19, 2025
Sentencing of Baha’i Leader in Qatar – A Systematic PatternWashington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns last week’s five-year sentence by a Qatari court falsely charging Baha’i leader Remy…
Aug 22, 2025
Saudi Arabia Undermines U.S. Bilateral Relationship with Execution of Shi’a AdvocateWashington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns Saudi Arabia’s execution of Jalal Labbad, a Shi’a…
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…
This report evaluates religious freedom conditions in Turkmenistan, widely considered one of the world’s most closed-off countries. The report begins with background on the regime of President Sedar Berdimuhamedow and his father and former president,…
Aug 26, 2025
Turkmenistan Continues to Violate Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:Turkmenistan Country Update – This report evaluates religious…
Aug 27, 2025
Religious Freedom Eradicated in Afghanistan Washington, D.C. – The U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls for renewed protections and pathways for Afghans at high risk of facing religious persecution. To…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Rawalpindi
Perpetrator:
Pakistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Rawalpindi
Perpetrator:
Pakistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Rawalpindi
Perpetrator:
Pakistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other…
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
Rawalpindi
Perpetrator:
Pakistan
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other…
Religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan remain highly restricted. The government’s total control of religious life and affairs leaves no room for independent religious affiliations, expression, or activities. This report provides updates on the…
Aug 29, 2025
USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in AzerbaijanWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Azerbaijan Country Update – Religious freedom conditions…
Aug 29, 2025
Religious freedom concerns are increasing in Sudan’s current brutal civil war. There are increasing reports of attacks on places of worship and other incidents that violate freedom of religion or belief. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)…
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
Turkmenistan
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Appeal:
Reduced to Two Years…
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
Iran
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Unspecified/Other
Appeal:
Rejected…
Additional Name(s):
Chenzhuo, Xinli
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
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…
Additional Name(s):
Xiaoxi
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Haiyang (Ocean)
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Xin'ai
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Yichun, Yangyang
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Xin Yu
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Zhang Min
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
This report provides an update on religious freedom conditions in Indonesia. While the state has taken steps to promote religious tolerance and reduce incidents of religiously motivated terrorism, it has also continued to employ legal frameworks—…
Sep 5, 2025
Despite Efforts to Promote Religious Tolerance and Reduce Terrorism, Indonesia’s Laws Limit Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a country update on religious freedom…
Additional Name(s):
Zhou Tao, Xinyue
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Yili
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Yang Hua
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Wang Hui
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Zhao Yang
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
Additional Name(s):
Xiaohua
Gender:
Female
Perpetrator:
China
Ethnic Group:
Han
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Church of Almighty God…
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…
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…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Muslim – Unspecified/Other
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant
Current Status:
Not Released…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Buddhist – Tibetan
Current Status:
Not Released
Most…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Buddhist – Tibetan
Current Status:
Not Released
Most…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Buddhist – Tibetan
Current Status:
Not Released
Most…
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant
Current Status:
Not Released…
Additional Name(s):
高全福
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant…
Additional Name(s):
曲红波; Mingdao; 明道
Gender:
Male
Perpetrator:
China
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Protestant…
Sep 12, 2025
China has perpetrated gross religious freedom violations against religious groups of recognized religions through its “sinicization of religion” policy. However, the government also persecutes many religious groups of unrecognized…
In June 2025, a USCIRF delegation traveled to Kazakhstan to meet with civil society and government officials to discuss religious freedom conditions. USCIRF found that religious freedom conditions in Kazakhstan remain poor. The government maintains a…
Sep 16, 2025
Religious Freedom in Kazakhstan Remains Poor Despite Government ClaimsWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Kazakhstan:Kazakhstan Country Update - In June 2025, a…
This report highlights religious freedom conditions in Pakistan, including recent and escalating attacks against religious minorities that have targeted Ahmadiyya Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. It details the government’s enforcement of anti-Ahmadiyya…
Sep 18, 2025
Pakistan Sees Increasing Attacks Targeting Religious MinoritiesWashington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Pakistan Country Update – This report highlights religious…
The government of Uzbekistan employs a series of laws to curtail freedom of religion or belief. This includes the 2021 law On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations, known as the “religion law,” which places bureaucratic restrictions on…
Sep 22, 2025
Uzbekistan Issued Over 1,250 Administrative Penalties for Religious Activities in 2024Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Uzbekistan:Uzbekistan’s Administrative…
This summary provides an overview of USCIRF's hearing, "Freedom of Religion or Belief in Turkey." Witnesses discussed potential next steps to advance freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Turkey and improve conditions for members of the country’s…
Sep 25, 2025
Congress Takes Encouraging, Bipartisan Steps on International Religious Freedom Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the introduction of H.Res 738. This resolution demonstrates…
Religious leaders in China, both independent and state-sanctioned, endure egregious religious freedom conditions. Religious leaders must conform to the Chinese Communist Party’s political ideology and submit to the state’s intrusive system of control in…
Sep 26, 2025
Imprisonment, Forced Disappearance, Torture – Tools China uses to Persecute Religious Leaders Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: China’s…
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…
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…
Oct 3, 2025
The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, often referred to as the IRF Ambassador, plays a vital role in the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom. Pursuant to the International Religious…
Oct 16, 2025
USCIRF Condemns Nationwide Detention of Church Leaders across China Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)…
Oct 17, 2025
The Eritrean government does not recognize religious communities other than the Tewahedo Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical Lutheran churches, along with Sunni Islam. As a result, there are dozens religious minorities including…
On September 9, 2025, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) held a hearing: Laws Regulating Religion in Central Asia. USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler and Vice Chair Asif Mahmood led the hearing. Members of civil society…
Oct 20, 2025
Torture and Ill Treatment are Tools of Violating Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on religious freedom and torture:…
Governments around the world continue to breach international law by engaging in torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (“ill treatment”) of individuals. In promoting international religious freedom, the U.S. government is required to…
Additional Name(s):
Said Abdel-Razek; Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq
Gender:
Male
Current Location:
10th of Ramadan Prison
Perpetrator:
Egypt
Religion or…
Gender:
Female
Current Location:
Adi Abeto Prison
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
Gender:
Female
Current Location:
Mai Serwa Prison
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Jehovah's Witness…
In June 2025, a USCIRF delegation traveled to Kyrgyzstan to meet with civil society and government officials to discuss religious freedom conditions, including the passage of the 2025 religion law and amendments to related legislation. These legislative…
Oct 24, 2025
New Religion Law in Kyrgyzstan Marks the Deterioration of Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Kyrgyzstan:Kyrgyzstan…
Oct 27, 2025
USCIRF Marks 27th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom ActWashington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marks the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act (…
Gender:
Female
Current Location:
Adi Abeto Prison
Perpetrator:
Eritrea
Religion or Belief:
Christian – Jehovah's Witness…