The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom this month released a Policy Update titled Preventing Mass Atrocities Targeting Religious Communities. The Policy Update says in part:
This policy update explores the relationship between mass atrocities and religious freedom. Mass atrocities are preceded by a range of early warning signs, such as religious freedom violations. When religious freedom is systematically denied or religious identities targeted, the risk of atrocity crimes may increase. This policy update sheds light on the link between atrocity risk and religious freedom violations by cross-referencing the top 30 countries most at risk of mass atrocities with USCIRF’s 2025 Annual Report recommendations.
This policy update also details relevant legislative requirements passed by the U.S. government to improve its capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to genocide and atrocities globally. It emphasizes the need to continue to prioritize atrocity prevention and response, with a focus on promoting international religious freedom as a tool to prevent atrocities targeting religious communities pursuant to USCIRF’s mandate.
Wild Hunt discusses USCIRF's Policy Update.
