US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Afghanistan’s Religious Minorities after the US Withdraws
Afghanistan’s Religious Minorities after the US Withdraws

In a recent conversation led by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on the exodus of religious minority communities in Afghanistan, various scholars and leaders spoke on the current and anticipated plight of such groups, especially the Sikh and Hindu communities.

The Biden Administration Can Capitalize on the International Religious Freedom Summit
The Biden Administration Can Capitalize on the International Religious Freedom Summit

In today’s hyperpolarized environment, Beltway commentators and even think-tank scholars seem unable to resist the temptation to put a partisan twist on the most nonpartisan of causes. While some voices have attempted to politicize the issue of international religious freedom (IRF), the cause itself continues to attract wide bipartisan support.

Pakistan Double Standard on Blasphemy Laws
Pakistan’s Double Standard on Blasphemy Laws

In April, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan denounced the West, particularly France, and called for a coalition of Muslim countries to use economic power to force the West to pass blasphemy laws protecting Muslim sentiments.

State Department Should Deliver an Honest Message about Turkey’s Religious Freedom Record
State Department Should Deliver an Honest Message about Turkey’s Religious Freedom Record

Given the Turkish government’s particularly troubling conduct in 2020, Secretary of State Antony Blinken should deliver an honest message about the alarming trajectory of religious freedoms in Turkey.

Government Report Signals Hope for Middle Eastern Christians - USCIRF
Government Report Signals Hope for Middle Eastern Christians

While these reports are never perfect, their existence reflects how the US government is uniquely positioned to serve as a global leader in the promotion of human rights. USCIRF’s commissioners and staff deserve commendation for producing them.

A Close Look at Egypt’s Relentless Abuse of Coptic Christians
A Close Look at Egypt’s Relentless Abuse of Coptic Christians

For those of us who have followed the struggle of Egypt’s Coptic Christians, particularly during the presidency of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, there’s been both good news and bad news.

The Capitol Hill Invasion and International Religious Freedom
The Capitol Hill Invasion and International Religious Freedom

This perception in Latin America and elsewhere is very troubling and should worry American conservative Christians who care about international religious freedom.

Sudan Moves in Right Direction on Religious Liberty, but Progress is Fragile
Sudan Moves in Right Direction on Religious Liberty, but Progress is Fragile

Despite the many challenges Sudan faces, its government’s defense of religious freedom gives reason for optimism that it is on the path to a more prosperous and more peaceful future.

House Resolution Condemning Blasphemy Law a Small Bright Spot at the End of a Dark Year
House Resolution Condemning Blasphemy Law a Small Bright Spot at the End of a Dark Year

On December 7, 2020, the US House of Representatives by a vote of 386-3 passed House Resolution 512, which calls for the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.