Embattled religious minorities and dissenting members of majority religious communities suffer extraordinary pressures — even genocide— as the essential freedom of religion deteriorates worldwide. Defending the fundamental right to conscience is a leading challenge of our time. Six years ago 21Wilberforce published our first biannual International Religious Freedom Scorecard to track continuing efforts by Congress to counter affronts to international religious freedom. This nonpartisan Scorecard does not promote specific issues or legislation, nor do we offer opinions about the work that is being done in Congress. We do recognize and thank members of Congress who have championed international religious freedom in tangible ways and encourage legislators to take even bolder actions in support of freedom of religion or belief around the world.
Military Coup in Burma Impacts Ethnic and Religious Minorities
The military of Burma launched a coup in February 2021 to overthrow the country's democratically elected government. The coup threatens to further inflame the ongoing violence perpetrated by the military for years against ethnic and religious minorities. The U.S. House of Representatives has responded. Learn how your Senators can take action to support freedom for the people of Myanmar.
Chinese government continues government atrocities targeting Uyghurs
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The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) welcomes the 2021 Annual Report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which details continued Chinese government atrocities targeting Uyghurs, and makes clear recommendations for additional U.S. and other government action. Read UHRP Executive Director Omer Kanat's statement about the USCIRF report.
President Biden recognizes atrocities against Armenians as genocide
From apnews.com: The systematic killing and deportation of more than a million Armenians by Ottoman Empire forces in the early 20th century was "genocide," the United States recently formally declared, as President Joe Biden used that precise word after the White House had avoided it for decades for fear of alienating ally Turkey.
Iran forces Bahai minority to bury in mass graves
Iranian authorities have ordered members of the minority Bahai religious community to bury their dead in a mass grave for political prisoners executed in 1988 BBC Persian has learned. The 350,000 Bahais in Iran are regarded by the Shia Muslim state as members of a heretical sect and face persecution.