As we delve into the future of religious freedom, the 2025 annual report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) sheds light on critical recommendations. The report not only identifies sixteen countries for designation as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) but also emphasizes the importance of standing firm against threats to freedom of religion globally.
Established by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, the bipartisan federal entity, USCIRF, plays a pivotal role in advocating for religious freedom on an international scale. Their recommendations serve as a foundation for the U.S. State Department’s annual list of governments and non-state actors involved in severe violations of religious freedom.
Highlighting Countries of Particular Concern
This year’s report, unveiled in a Capitol event on 25th March, recommends sixteen nations for CPC designation due to egregious violations of religious freedom. These countries include Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam, among others. The report also sheds light on seven Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) engaging in severe violations, such as al-Shabaab in Somalia and Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Special Watch List Inclusions
Additionally, twelve countries are recommended for the Special Watch List (SWL) due to significant violations of freedom of religion or belief. Countries such as Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey are among those listed.
Amidst these recommendations, USCIRF underscores the need to build upon previous administrations’ efforts to prioritize religious liberty in U.S. foreign policy. Chair Stephen Schneck emphasizes the critical role of USCIRF’s bipartisan recommendations in combating religious persecution globally.
Furthermore, the closure of USAID and U.S.-funded international media outlets has raised concerns over the weakening of existing programs supporting religious freedom. The USCIRF report advocates for the restoration of such initiatives and emphasizes the importance of preserving places of worship with the assistance of U.S. embassies.
Challenges Faced by Voice of America
The recent closure of U.S.-funded media outlets, including “Voice of America,” has sparked global concerns. These outlets have historically provided essential information from authoritarian nations, crucial for USCIRF’s monitoring and reporting efforts.
In the face of these challenges, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church stands in solidarity with journalists affected by the closures. The silencing of these media outlets poses a threat to countering disinformation campaigns by authoritarian regimes.
