Despite Promoting Religious Tolerance, Egypt Represses Religious Life for Many
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Egypt:
State Restrictions on Religious Freedom in Egypt – The government of Egypt continues to systematically enforce laws, policies, and judicial decisions that repress non-Muslim religious life, including for Baha’is, Coptic Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, Qur’anists, members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, and also non-believers. Amid these ongoing FoRB concerns, Egypt’s government continues to support initiatives that selectively promote religious diversity and tolerance. While this reflects some progress, the Egyptian government has yet to bring the country into full compliance with its FoRB obligations under international law.
In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Egypt as a “Special Watch List,” or SWL, country for engaging in systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
