USCIRF Urges President Trump to Enforce Sanctions on Governments Violating Religious Freedoms Worldwide

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has issued a strong call to action for President Donald Trump, urging his administration to impose severe consequences, such as sanctions, on foreign governments that violate religious freedoms.

This recommendation was part of the commission’s 2025 Annual Report, which was published on March 25.

Push for Meaningful Consequences for Religious Freedom Violations

The USCIRF, a federal body responsible for advising the U.S. government on religious liberty issues worldwide, stresses the importance of showing meaningful consequences to nations that engage in systematic religious persecution.

The report emphasizes that such actions are necessary to encourage positive change and curb further abuses.

Countries of Concern and New Designations

The report specifically targets countries the U.S. State Department has labeled as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs) due to their egregious violations of religious freedom.

Currently, 12 countries hold this designation, including China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

The USCIRF recommends continuing these designations and adding Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam to the list.

The Ongoing Crisis in Nigeria

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the report is the situation in Nigeria, which was designated as a CPC during President Trump’s administration but was not renewed under President Biden.

USCIRF had consistently pushed for Nigeria’s inclusion on the list under the Biden administration, pointing to the alarming levels of religious violence in the country.

Over the past several years, tens of thousands of people, particularly from Christian communities, have been killed in violence driven by religious and ethnic conflicts.

Failure to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria

The report notes that religious freedom conditions in Nigeria remain dire, with both federal and state governments continuing to overlook or tolerate attacks by nonstate actors who justify their violence on religious grounds.

Christians, in particular, have been disproportionately targeted, with reports showing they are 6.5 times more likely to be killed and 5.1 times more likely to be abducted.

Muslims and other religious groups have also suffered from these violent attacks.

USCIRF’s annual report underscores the need for stronger action to protect religious freedom worldwide and urges the U.S. government to hold perpetrators of religious persecution accountable.