03.16.2024

Please pray for North and South Korea

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has anncounced that the unification of his country with South Korea is no longer possible. 

China This Week: John Cao's first post-prison testimony

Our media team transcribed and published Pastor John Cao's first testimony since his March 3rd release from prison.

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom  Women in FoRB: Making a Difference

Making a Difference, an event highlighting the crucial roles women play in promoting the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad.

Malaysia high court strikes down state-level Sharia laws

Malaysia’s top court recently struck down over a dozen Shariah-based state laws, saying they infringed on federal authority. 

Pakistan: Christian shopkeeper protects Muslim woman from violent mob

Do you remember hearing about the woman in Pakistan who was harassed by a mob because of her dress a few weeks ago?

Officials in Egypt Abet Kidnappers of Christian Woman

Father Says Muslim Brotherhood ring behind abduction, sources say.

USCIRF Calls for Accountability for Iran’s Crimes Against Humanity

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the U.S. government to support a United Nations (UN) Security Council referral to the International Criminal Court following the finding by a panel of UN-appointed experts that Iran’s crackdowns on protests against mandatory hijab and other religious freedom violations amount to crimes against humanity.

RUSSIA: Religious freedom survey, March 2024

Russia's government seriously violates its freedom of religion and belief
obligations, along with interlinked human rights such as the freedoms of
expression, association, and assembly.

Haiti PM resigns; country descends further into chaos

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announces his resignation as life in Haiti becomes even more chaotic and unpredictable. Gang violence uprooted more than 15,000 Haitians last week.

Persecutions, elections, and hunger for Gospel hope in Iran

God is bringing gospel hope to Iran, even in the unrest and conflicts it is involved in on a world stage.

More Than 600 Kidnapped in Nigeria Last Week

Terrorist groups kidnapped about 687 people in northern Nigeria this week.

M23 Rebel Group Gains Ground in DRC as UN Forces Withdraw

More than 100,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes this week after two days of fierce fighting in eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo that saw the fall of Nyanzale town to M23, a terror organization, according to a UN statement. 

Denmark Reestablishes Blasphemy Law

In late December 2023, Danish parliament officially amended a portion of its penal code condemning blasphemy.

Giving Voice to a Forgotten Nation: ICC Releases Eritrea Report

After seeing the rise of oppressive governments, ICC’s Africa Regional Team created a comprehensive report on a repressive regime that mainstream media often forgets: Eritrea.

USCIRF News Digest - March 12, 2024

China: Pastor John Cao's first testimony after release

A faithful servant of the Lord, Pastor John Cao, was released from prison after a 7-year sentence and returned back to his home in Hunan province on March 3rd, 2024. 

Hope remains despite tragic losses in Ukraine

According to The Institute for the Study of War, Russia’s rapid advance in eastern Ukraine appears to be slowing as Ukraine establishes new defense lines. 

Bible translators brave danger in Sudan — “They want their own people to know Jesus”

As millions in Sudan face the risk of the largest hunger crisis in the world, Bible translators within the country need your prayer support as they press forward in their work.

Christian in Pakistan Accused of Blasphemy for Refusing to Convert, He Says

Former classmates engaged him in religious discussion.

Christian Girl, 10, Kidnapped and Forcibly Converted in Pakistan

Parents fear she could be trafficked.

USCIRF Leaves Saudi Arabia After Government Official Insisted Chair to Remove Kippah

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) ended early an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after authorities required the USCIRF delegation to leave the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh when the USCIRF Chair, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, refused their requests that he remove his religious head covering (kippah).