What is the primary function of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)?

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is a U.S. federal government commission tasked with reviewing the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally. It then makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. Congress.

Who appoints the commissioners of USCIRF?

USCIRF commissioners are appointed by the President of the United States and the leadership of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Specifically, three are appointed by the President, three by the Senate's president pro tempore (based on recommendations from party leaders), and three by the House's speaker (also based on recommendations from party leaders).

What are the key responsibilities assigned to USCIRF?

USCIRF's primary responsibilities include researching and monitoring international religious freedom issues, conducting fact-finding missions to other countries, holding public hearings, and issuing an annual report with policy recommendations to the U.S. government based on its evaluation of global religious freedom violations.

What was the original termination date for USCIRF, and how was it extended?

The legislation initially stated that USCIRF would terminate on September 30, 2011. However, it received several extensions from Congress, with a significant seven-year reauthorization occurring on December 16, 2011, which extended its term until 2018.

What significant amendment was made to the International Religious Freedom Act in 2016?

In 2016, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act was signed into law. This amendment expanded the scope of the original act by introducing a category for designating non-state actors involved in religious freedom violations.

How many members comprise the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom?

The Commission on International Religious Freedom is composed of ten members. This includes nine voting members appointed by the President and congressional leadership, plus the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom who serves as a non-voting ex officio member.

What qualifications are sought when selecting USCIRF commissioners?

Commissioners are selected based on their distinguished knowledge and experience in fields relevant to international religious freedom. These fields include foreign affairs, direct experience abroad, human rights, and international law.

Are USCIRF commissioners compensated for their work?

No, commissioners are not paid for their service on the commission. However, they are provided with a travel budget and supported by a staff of approximately 15-20 members.

What is the typical term length for a USCIRF commissioner?

Appointments for commissioners last for two years, and they are eligible for reappointment. Recent revisions stipulate a two-year limit on terms for commissioners.

Who currently serves as the Executive Director of USCIRF?

As of the provided information, Erin D. Singshinsuk serves as the Executive Director of USCIRF.

Who is the current Chair of USCIRF, and who appointed them?

As of June 10, 2025, Vicky Hartzler serves as the Chair of USCIRF. She was appointed by Mike Johnson.

Who is the current Vice Chair of USCIRF, and who appointed them?

As of June 10, 2025, Asif Mahmood serves as the Vice Chair of USCIRF. He was appointed by Hakeem Jeffries.

Which current commissioners were appointed by President Joe Biden?

According to the provided information (as of June 10, 2025), Mohamed Elsanousi and Stephen Schneck were appointed by President Joe Biden.

Which current commissioners were appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson?

According to the provided information (as of June 10, 2025), Vicky Hartzler (Chair) and Maureen Ferguson were appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Which current commissioners were appointed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer?

According to the provided information (as of June 10, 2025), Ariela Dubler was appointed by Chuck Schumer.

Which current commissioner was appointed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell?

According to the provided information (as of June 10, 2025), Meir Soloveichik was appointed by Mitch McConnell.

What criteria must a country meet to be recommended for the Special Watch List (SWL)?

A country is recommended for the Special Watch List (SWL) if its government engages in or tolerates severe religious freedom violations that do not rise to the CPC standard. Specifically, violations must meet at least two of the three criteria: systematic, ongoing, and egregious.

Which countries did USCIRF recommend as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) in its 2023 annual report?

In its 2023 report, USCIRF recommended Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam for designation as Countries of Particular Concern.

How has the Indian press reacted to USCIRF's designations regarding India?

The Indian press has criticized USCIRF's designations of India. For instance, 'The Pioneer' termed the reports as 'fiction,' 'biased,' and 'Surpassing Goebbels,' accusing the commission of misrepresenting events like the Godhra train burning and indirectly justifying the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda.

What was the perspective of Christian leaders in Odisha regarding USCIRF's reports on India?

Christian leaders in Odisha defended India's secular character. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath stated that the majority of Indian society was cordial and supportive, and the Orissa Secular Front noted India's strong secular foundation despite past riots.

What was Tenzin Dorjee's view on USCIRF's designation of India as a CPC?

In the 2019 USCIRF report, then-Chairman Tenzin Dorjee disagreed with the commission's designation of India as a CPC. Having lived in India as a religious refugee for 30 years, he described India as an open society with a robust democratic and judiciary system, and a country of multifaith, multilingual, and multicultural diversity.

How did some Coptic leaders in Egypt react to USCIRF's visit in 2001?

Some Coptic leaders in Egypt protested USCIRF's 2001 visit, viewing it as a form of American imperialism and a 'vile campaign against Egypt.' They believed the visit would be unhelpful and constituted foreign intervention in internal affairs.

What criticism did Robert Seiple, the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, level against USCIRF?

Robert Seiple criticized USCIRF's emphasis on punishing religious persecution over promoting religious freedom, stating the commission was 'only cursing the darkness.' He cited the designation of Laos as a CPC in 2002, despite the release of religious prisoners, as an example of the commission's perceived ineffectiveness.

What was USCIRF's justification for designating Laos as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in 2002?

USCIRF justified its designation of Laos as a CPC by pointing out that the Marxist Pathet Lao government maintained systemic impediments to religious freedom. These included laws requiring government consent for religious activities and allowing the government to determine if a religious community's teachings were in accord with its own doctrine.

What accusations were made by experts regarding USCIRF's approach in Central Asia in 2007?

In 2007, experts like S. Frederick Starr, Brenda Shaffer, and Svante Cornell accused USCIRF of championing groups that sought to impose religious coercion in Central Asian states. They argued USCIRF criticized countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for restricting religious freedom, despite these nations having secular legal systems and separating church and state.

How did the Tajikistan Foreign Ministry respond to a USCIRF report in March 2020?

The Tajikistan Foreign Ministry criticized the USCIRF report, urging the U.S. Department of State to avoid publishing unverified and groundless information that did not accurately reflect the rule of law and human rights situation in Tajikistan.

What allegations did former USCIRF policy analyst Safiya Ghori-Ahmad make?

Safiya Ghori-Ahmad filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging she was fired from USCIRF because she was Muslim and belonged to the Muslim Public Affairs Council. She claimed the commission exhibited bias.

What concerns did Jemera Rone of Human Rights Watch raise regarding the International Religious Freedom Act?

Jemera Rone suggested that the legislative history of the International Religious Freedom Act indicated significant interest in protecting Christian rights. She implied that the U.S. government might need to demonstrate that the Act was not being used for proselytization on behalf of Christianity.

What did a 2009 study by the Institute of Global Engagement find regarding U.S. international religious freedom policy?

The Institute of Global Engagement study found that U.S. international religious freedom policy was problematic, focusing more on rhetorical denunciations and prisoner releases than on facilitating necessary political and cultural institutions for religious freedom. It also noted that the policy was often perceived as cultural imperialism or a front for American missionaries.

What criticisms were raised regarding the 2018 appointment of Tony Perkins to USCIRF?

The appointment of Tony Perkins as a commissioner in 2018 drew criticism from organizations like GLAAD, the Hindu American Foundation, and atheist/humanist groups. They questioned his credibility due to his stances against non-Christians and LGBTQ people. The Southern Poverty Law Center also criticized Perkins, labeling his organization, the Family Research Council, a 'hate group' due to his far-right Christian and anti-LGBT views.

How did India respond to USCIRF reports in 2025?

In 2025, India dismissed reports from the U.S. International Religious Freedom body, characterizing them as biased and politically motivated. India referred to the commission itself as an 'entity of concern'.

What does the USCIRF annual report contain?

The annual report issued by the Commission on International Religious Freedom includes policy recommendations to the U.S. government. These recommendations are based on the commission's evaluation of the facts and circumstances surrounding religious freedom violations worldwide.

What is the purpose of the seal depicted in the USCIRF infobox?

The seal shown in the infobox is the official seal of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, representing the agency.

What is the significance of the map shown in the 'Designations' section?

The map illustrates countries designated by USCIRF in its 2023 annual report. Countries colored blue are identified as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), while those colored green are on the Special Watch List (SWL).

What specific events in India did 'The Pioneer' newspaper claim USCIRF misrepresented in its reports?

The Indian newspaper 'The Pioneer' claimed that USCIRF projected the massacre of 58 Hindu passengers (referring to the Godhra train burning incident) as an accident and accused the commission of indirectly justifying the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda, a Hindu cleric.

What was the criticism leveled against USCIRF regarding its approach to religious freedom in Central Asian countries?

Critics accused USCIRF of championing groups that sought to impose religious coercion under the guise of religious freedom in Central Asian states. They argued that USCIRF criticized these countries for restrictions on religious freedom despite their secular legal systems and separation of church and state.

What did the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) state about Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council?

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) chastised Tony Perkins for his far-right Christian and anti-LGBT views. The SPLC also designated his organization, the Family Research Council, as a 'hate group'.

What did the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 mandate regarding annual reports?

The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 mandated that the U.S. Department of State prepare annual reports on international religious freedom.

What is the stated purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to external databases that help identify and manage information about the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, ensuring consistency and traceability of data.

What does the presence of the 'Wikimedia Commons' link signify?

The link to Wikimedia Commons indicates that media files, such as images and logos related to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, are available on that platform.

What specific legal act established the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom?

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom was established by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.

What is the role of the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom within the State Department, as mentioned in relation to IRFA?

The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 established the position of an Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom within the United States Department of State to head the Office of International Religious Freedom.

What policy actions are required in response to violations of religious freedom, according to the IRFA?

The IRFA requires that policy actions be taken in response to all violations of religious freedom, making it a specific element of U.S. foreign policy programs, cultural exchanges, and international broadcasting.

What was the nature of the amendments Senator Dick Durbin sought regarding USCIRF commissioner terms?

Senator Dick Durbin sought amendments stipulating a two-year limit on terms for commissioners and subjecting them to the same travel restrictions as Department of State employees.

What does USCIRF do when it travels on fact-finding missions?

When USCIRF travels on fact-finding missions to other countries, it researches and monitors international religious freedom issues and gathers information relevant to its mandate.

United States Commission On International Religious Freedom Wiki: Global Faith Watch: The USCIRF's Mandate

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Overview

Agency Foundation

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal commission established by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. Its mandate is to review and advocate for policies concerning international religious freedom.

Operational Details

USCIRF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and comprises over 15 dedicated staff members. The commission's leadership includes an Executive Director, currently Erin D. Singshinsuk. Its official web presence is maintained at www.uscirf.gov.

Appointment Structure

Commissioners are appointed through a bipartisan process involving the President of the United States, the Senate leadership, and the House of Representatives leadership. This ensures a diverse range of perspectives in its operations.

History

Legislative Origins

USCIRF was authorized by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The act also established an Office of International Religious Freedom within the U.S. Department of State and mandated annual reports on international religious freedom.

Reauthorization and Amendments

Initially slated for termination in 2011, USCIRF received several extensions. A significant reauthorization occurred in late 2011, introducing a two-year term limit for commissioners and aligning their travel restrictions with State Department employees. The Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act in 2016 further amended IRFA, adding provisions for designating non-state actors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Monitoring and Research

USCIRF actively researches and monitors global religious freedom issues. The commission is empowered to conduct fact-finding missions abroad and hold public hearings to gather information and assess the state of religious freedom worldwide.

Policy Recommendations

The commission issues an annual report detailing its findings and providing policy recommendations to the U.S. government. These recommendations guide the President, Secretary of State, and Congress in formulating foreign policy related to religious freedom violations.

Designating Violators

A key responsibility is recommending countries that commit systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom for designation as "countries of particular concern" (CPCs). USCIRF also recommends countries for the State Department's Special Watch List (SWL).

Commissioners

Composition and Appointment

The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 mandates a commission of ten members. Three are appointed by the President, three by the Senate leadership (with recommendations from party leaders), and three by the House leadership (also with recommendations from party leaders). The Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom serves as a non-voting, ex officio member.

Commissioners are selected for their expertise in foreign affairs, human rights, international law, and direct experience abroad. They serve two-year terms and are eligible for reappointment.

Current Commissioners

As of June 10, 2025, the commissioners include:

Commissioners of USCIRF
Commissioner	Appointed By	Term expires	Details
Vicky Hartzler (Chair)	Mike Johnson	May 2026	Former member (2011–2023), U.S. House of Representatives (MO-4)
Asif Mahmood (Vice Chair)	Hakeem Jeffries	May 2026	Physician, human rights activist, interfaith community organizer
Ariela Dubler	Chuck Schumer	May 2026	Head of School, Abraham Joshua Heschel School; former Professor of Legal History at Columbia Law School
Mohamed Elsanousi	Joe Biden	May 2026	Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers
Maureen Ferguson	Mike Johnson	May 2026	Senior Fellow with the Catholic Association; radio show co-host
Stephen Schneck	Joe Biden	May 2026	Retired executive director of the Franciscan Action Network; former professor at The Catholic University of America
Meir Soloveichik	Mitch McConnell	May 2026	Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel; Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University
(vacant)
(vacant)

The Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Mark Walker (as of April 2025), serves as an ex officio, non-voting member.

Designations

CPC and SWL Criteria

USCIRF recommends countries for designation as "countries of particular concern" (CPCs) if their governments engage in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. Countries with severe violations that do not meet all three criteria may be recommended for the State Department's Special Watch List (SWL).

2023 Recommendations

In its 2023 report, USCIRF recommended the following countries for CPC designation:

Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.

The commission also recommended Algeria, Azerbaijan, Central African Republic, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uzbekistan for the Special Watch List.

Country-Specific Issues

USCIRF's reports have drawn varied reactions. For instance, its designations concerning India have been met with criticism from Indian press outlets, while Christian leaders in Odisha defended India's secular character. The commission's engagement in Egypt faced protests from some Coptic leaders viewing it as foreign intervention. In Laos, a former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large criticized USCIRF's focus on punishment over promotion, though others defended the commission's findings on religious persecution.

Criticism

Accusations of Bias

USCIRF has faced accusations of bias, including claims of Christian bias and concerns that its focus on religious freedom might be perceived as cultural imperialism or a front for missionary activities. A former analyst alleged discriminatory firing based on her Muslim faith and advocacy group affiliation.

Effectiveness and Internal Issues

Some studies have suggested that U.S. international religious freedom policy, including USCIRF's approach, has been more focused on rhetorical condemnation than on facilitating the necessary political and cultural institutions for religious freedom, potentially limiting its effectiveness. The commission has also faced accusations of internal conflict and ineffectiveness.

Commissioner Controversies

Specific commissioner appointments have drawn criticism. The appointment of Tony Perkins in 2018, for example, was questioned by organizations like GLAAD and the Hindu American Foundation due to his past stances on non-Christian and LGBTQ individuals, with the Southern Poverty Law Center labeling his organization a "hate group."

India's Response

In 2025, India's government dismissed USCIRF reports as biased and politically motivated, labeling the commission itself an "entity of concern." This followed earlier criticisms from Indian press outlets regarding the commission's assessments of religious freedom in the country.

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References

GPO Public Law 105 - 292 - International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 Page accessed June 3, 2016

GPO International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 text Page accessed June 3, 2016

A full list of references for this article are available at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official U.S. government advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official government statements, legal counsel, or expert analysis. Always refer to official USCIRF publications and government sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

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Global Faith Watch

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Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Agency Foundation

📍 Operational Details

🤝 Appointment Structure

History 📜

🗓️ Legislative Origins

⏳ Reauthorization and Amendments

Duties and Responsibilities ⚙️

🔍 Monitoring and Research

📢 Policy Recommendations

🚩 Designating Violators

Commissioners 🧑‍⚖️

👥 Composition and Appointment

📋 Current Commissioners

Designations 🗺️

📜 CPC and SWL Criteria

🌍 2023 Recommendations

🗣️ Country-Specific Issues

Criticism 💬

⚖️ Accusations of Bias

🤔 Effectiveness and Internal Issues

👤 Commissioner Controversies

🇮🇳 India's Response

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Agency Foundation

Operational Details

Appointment Structure

History

Legislative Origins

Reauthorization and Amendments

Duties and Responsibilities

Monitoring and Research

Policy Recommendations

Designating Violators

Commissioners

Composition and Appointment

Current Commissioners

Designations

CPC and SWL Criteria

2023 Recommendations

Country-Specific Issues

Criticism

Accusations of Bias

Effectiveness and Internal Issues

Commissioner Controversies

India's Response

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice