WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on religious freedom and torture:
Religious Freedom and the Prohibition of Torture and Ill Treatment – Governments around the world continue to breach international law by engaging in torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (“ill treatment”) of individuals. In promoting international religious freedom, the U.S. government is required to consider the connection between religious freedom violations and torture. Recognizing how torture and ill treatment can be used to violate religious freedom strengthens both the protection of this right and the right to be free from torture by expanding remedies for victims and increasing state accountability for violations. This factsheet provides an overview of U.S. policy related to this nexus, relevant international human rights standards, and contexts where violations occur concurrently. The factsheet includes case studies highlighting this intersection from countries including Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
Throughout its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF cites reports of torture and ill treatment based on religion or belief. USCIRF further documents in its Frank R. Wolf FoRB Victims List victims targeted due to their religion or belief who have suffered torture or other ill treatment.
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
SOURCE United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
