Are Some Human Rights More Important Than Others? Religious Freedom Advocates Often Put It First

(ANALYSIS) Every year, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) releases a report on religious oppression around the world, recommending that the State Department designate specific countries as especially severe violators. In this year’s report, released May 1, 2023, Iran came in for particular criticism after months of protests and arrests sparked by headscarf laws. Sri Lanka, Cuba and Nicaragua were also singled out as areas of concern; Nicaragua is specifically accused of persecution against Catholics.

AnalysisLaura E. AlexanderMay 17, 2023The Conversation, Laura E. Alexander, Religious freedom, Freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF, Human rightsComment

USCIRF: America’s Watchdog On International Religious Freedom Presents Its 2022 Report

(OPINION) The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom launched its annual report describing events in 2021 — a detailed document focusing on more than two dozen countries that are engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations. Their report also offers suggestions and recommendations, while providing information regarding 15 specific prisoners of conscience for whom USCIRF commissioners have personally advocated.

Asia, Africa, Islam, North America, OpinionLela GilbertApril 27, 2022Lela Gilbert, USCIRF, Religious freedom, CPCs, Iran, China, Uighurs, international religious freedom, Islam, ChristianityComment

Will U.S. Push For International Religious Freedom Continue Under Biden?

(ANALYSIS) As Joe Biden prepares to enter office, religious freedom advocates are searching for signs that his administration will maintain the delicate institutional framework built during the Trump administration. Without a commitment from the president-elect, they fear it could all evaporate.

Analysis, North AmericaSusan CrabtreeDecember 11, 2020Susan Crabtree, Recharge, Analysis, United States, Joe Biden, Biden, Trump, Mike Pompeo, China, Catholic, faith, USCIRF, climate change, Iran, ISIS, nuclear deal, Antony Blinken, ChristianityComment

Inside an Oasis of Religious Freedom in Northeast Syria

(OPINION) The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) is a new regional government that has become known as a defender of religious freedom and equality. The area is under particular threat, particularly neighboring Turkey.

Middle East, OpinionLela Gilbert and Arielle Del TurcoNovember 2, 2020Lela Gilbert, Arielle Del Turco, Syria, Northeast Syria, Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Religious Freedom, USCIRF, FRC, Islam, religious freedomComment

Erdogan And His Quest For Hagia Sophia

(OPINION) Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan’s decision to convert the ancient Christian church Hagia Sophia into a mosque is indicative of his dislike of Christians. However, the building still remains a safe space for Christians worldwide.

Europe, OpinionLela GilbertJuly 17, 2020Christianity, Lela Gilbert, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, pilgrimage, Constantinople, USCIRF, Russian Orthodox Church, Vladmir Putin Comment

India is a U.S. ally while persecuting Christians

(OPINION) Second only to India’s much larger but minority Muslim population, India’s Christians receive more than their share of abuse and are frequently accused of producing “forced conversions,” or proselytizing.

Asia, North America, OpinionLela GilbertMay 20, 2020Lela Gilbert, India, modi, Christian persecution, religious freedom, USCIRF, Hinduvta, international religious freedom, Primary Feature, ChristianityComment

U.S. Commission Warns About Violations Of Religious Freedom In 29 Countries

(OPINION) The United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) launched its annual report Tuesday, recommending India, Nigeria, Russia, Syria and Vietnam as “countries of particular concern” engaging in severe religious freedom violations.

Opinion, Politics, North AmericaEwelina U. OchabApril 28, 2020religious freedom, USCIRF, India, IRFA, Religious persecution, religion, Christianity, Islam, religious liberty, Ewelina U. OchabComment

Iran's warning to children shows a deepening religious intolerance

(OPINION) Prohibiting students from proclaiming their faith at school is the latest method of persecution against “unrecognized” religions in the country.

Opinion, Middle EastEwelina U. OchabOctober 9, 2019Iran, religious freedom, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, USCIRF, Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Javaid Rehman, United Nations, Bahai, Sufis, Islam, Ewelina U. Ochab, Human Rights, Religious Intolerance

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