USCIRF’s 2021 Annual Report reflects significant developments over the past year with progress in some countries bringing positive change while other nations implemented laws and policies which further target religious communities, and in some cases amount to crimes against humanity and genocide.
In its report, USCIRF also monitored public health measures created to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as restricting in-person religious gatherings. In many cases, these measures complied with international human rights standards protecting freedom of religion or belief, but in some countries, already marginalized religious minorities faced official and/or societal stigmatization, harassment, and discrimination for allegedly causing or spreading the virus.
This year’s report features new actionable recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief abroad.
Opening Remarks
Gayle Manchin, Chair, USCIRF
Tony Perkins, Vice Chair, USCIRF
Anurima Bhargava, Vice Chair, USCIRF
Special Remarks
Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware)
Senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina)
This virtual event is open to the public and media. The video recording will be posted on the Commission website. For any additional questions or interview requests, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gayle Manchin, Chair • Tony Perkins, Vice Chair • Anurima Bhargava, Vice Chair Gary Bauer • James W. Carr • Frederick A. Davie Nadine Maenza • Johnnie Moore • Nury Turkel
Erin D. Singshinsuk, Executive Director www.uscirf.gov 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.
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