US: Promoting Religious Freedom is a Vital Atrocity Prevention Tool

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on the link between atrocity prevention and international religious freedom:

Preventing Mass Atrocities Targeting Religious Communities – Religious freedom violations and the targeting of religious identities can play a significant role in elevating the risk of mass killings and atrocities. In fact, more than half of the top 30 countries most at risk of mass killings are identified in USCIRF’s Annual Report for poor religious freedom conditions. In recognition of the core national security interest and moral responsibility in preventing atrocities, the bipartisan Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018 creates legislative mandates to support U.S. government atrocity prevention efforts. This policy update details these legislative requirements, emphasizing the need for the U.S. government to continue to prioritize atrocity prevention and response, with a focus on the promotion of international religious freedom as a tool to prevent atrocities.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF includes recommendations to the U.S. government to address religious freedom violations, which can play a significant role in reducing the risk of mass atrocities where relevant. USCIRF also examined U.S. government atrocity prevention and response efforts in hearings on Ending Genocide - Accountability for Perpetrators and Genocide Determinations and Next Steps.

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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.