Mar 25, 2025
Washington, 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 to the White House, Congress, and State Department to advance freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad. Congress mandated USCIRF’s Annual Report in the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.
“As repressive governments and violent entities attack and drastically erode freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF’s independent reporting and bipartisan recommendations have never been more critical to U.S. foreign policy,” said USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck. “The U.S. government must continue to stand firm against these threats against the universal right of religious freedom.”
“Despite the escalating threats to freedom of religion or belief, there is real opportunity to stave off any retreat of this fundamental freedom and, if pursued with energy and determination, to advance it,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik. “Religious freedom is a clear priority of the United States. USCIRF’s 2025 Annual Report points the way forward for policy that advances religious freedom in a fast-changing world.”
Highlights from the 2025 Annual Report include:
- Sixteen countries recommended to the Secretary of State for designation as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for particularly severe FoRB violations under IRFA.
- Twelve countries recommended to the Secretary of State for Special Watch List (SWL) designation for severe FoRB violations under IRFA.
- Seven entities recommended for designation as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC).
- Broad policy recommendations to the Legislative and Executive Branches.
- Overview of escalating FoRB challenges in 28 countries, dangers posed by violent entities, and global threats.
- Review of FoRB policy implemented by the U.S. government.
The annual report, including all recommendations, can be accessed at USCIRF.gov. Commissioners are available for interviews with the press. To schedule an interview, contact media@uscirf.gov.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief.
