11
October
Belarus - Seven fined for talking about Easter in street
Belarus is following the Russian government as it moves to further restrict religious freedom within the country. Here’s a good article discussing the new initiative and some backstory.
30
August
RUSSIA: Freedom of religion and belief monitoring group to be liquidated
It becomes very difficult to hold governments to account when they have removed those who monitor their behavior. Vladimir Putin continues to pressure religious groups by now shutting down the leading religious freedom monitor in Russia.
25
August
Annual USCIRF Report on International Religious Freedom
One of the most important and comprehensive reports on RF is the Annual USCIRF Report on International Religious Freedom
27
March
A Talk on International Religious Freedom
A discussion on International Religious Freedom between the present and a past United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
12
November
Violence and Religious Freedom in Nigeria
Nigeria in the past, has experienced religious tolerance and harmony. But in the last decade non-state actors have stirred up violence and the failure of political leadership has resulted in ongoing and increasing violence for religious communities.
12
November
Religious Freedom in Egyptian Schools Reforms
An interesting USCIRF Conversation: Assessing Religious Freedom in Egyptian Curriculum Reform. Egypt has been encouraged to examine its school curriculum and improve the educations system approach to issues of freedom of religion.
14
August
An American Univeristy crosses the line on religious freedom of students
University of Iowa found guilty of religious discrimination. The crime: forcing student groups to accept University appointed leaders for their group. Groups argued that UI targeted them for requiring student leaders to sign a statement of faith.
24
July
International Religious Freedom Summit 2021
The Summit this month in Washington D.C. is Bipartisan, Multifaith conference bringing together an array of faith and political leaders with the goal of tackling discrimination around the globe. This is a significant event!
27
June
International Religious Freedom Summit July 2021
The International Religious Freedom Summit is July 13-15 in Washington D.C. and it will also be available online.
09
June
United States Commission on Religious Freedom Annual Report on International Freedom 2021
Each year the United States Commission on Religious Freedom releases an Annual Report on International Freedom.
27
April
Governments Don't Get a Pass on Violating Religious Freedom in a Pandemic
While the pandemic prevented our team from meeting in-person with victims of religious persecution, abusive governments around the world do not get a free pass to deny the fundamental right of freedom of religion or belief.
30
December
Legal Restrictions to Religious Freedom in Brunei
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has done a series of excellent reports on specific nations and their activities on religious freedom. Here is a recent Spotlight episode on Brunei
23
October
Answering the Call to Protect Religious Freedom: A Year in Review
A report from the U.S. Department of State on work to protect religious freedom over the past year.
03
October
Religious freedom under assault in 'Europe's last dictatorship'
Belarus President Lukashenko makes no secret of his atheism. He has mostly refrained from overt actions against religious groups, but now there are worrying signs that his government is actively undermining the independence of religious groups.
03
September
USCIRF Encourages Religious Freedom Progress on Vietnam National Day
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) congratulated the government of Vietnam on its National Day, and encouraged the government to take steps to improve religious freedom conditions in the country.
A monitor displays the words "Commission on Unalienable Rights" behind Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as he speaks during a news conference at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)
17
July
Pompeo says US should limit which human rights it defends
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has argued for a more limited U.S. view of global human rights advocacy based on the principles laid out by America's Founding Fathers, a suggestion critics assumed meant stepping away from more modern concepts.
15
July
Can Human Rights Advocacy Resolve the North Korea Nuclear Impasse?
North Korea’s weapons programs and human rights violations derive from the same root causes: the government’s perception of its insecurity and lack of transparency.
President and Mrs. Trump visit the John Paul II Shrine prior to the President signing the Executive Order. (Photo credit: LifeSite News)
05
June
A Huge Step for Advancing International Religious Freedom
President Trump has issued an executive order “Advancing International Religious Freedom.” The Institute on Religion and Democracy commends the President for his ongoing commitment to defend persecuted Christians and other religious believers.
