IIRF Updates
The First Right: Freedom to Religion. Freedom from Religion
IIRF has released the English-language translation of Swedish Christian leader Jacob Rudenstrand’s book
A word to the critics of the World Watch List
Schirrmacher responds to media criticism of Open Doors’ World Watch List
Internship Experience: Lorena Peña Rodríguez and the Global Study of Religious Freedom Violations
The International Institute for Religious Freedom is pleased to highlight the work of Lorena Peña Rodríguez.
Africa held conference
Scholars reflect on regulation of religion and the limits of law
International Institute for Religious Freedom
IIRF presents to South African Parliament as it listens to faith communities complaining about attempts to regulate religion
State commission seeks to curb abuse in churches by legislation, calling it “self-regulation”
Two researchers related to the International Institute for Religious Freedom receive awards
New research awards for research on religious freedom and persecution of Christians
Statements
Audit Statement on the outcomes of the Open Doors World Watch List 2026
The IIRF releases the audit statement of the World Watch List 2026 of Open Doors International
Coalition Letter to the Trump Administration Supporting U.S. Sponsorship of the R20 Summit During the 2026 G20 Presidency
Mr. President, we respectfully urge you to direct the appropriate agencies under your command to
recognize the R20 Summit as part of America’s G20 presidency in 2026.
Audit statement of the World Watch List 2025
The IIRF releases the audit statement of the World Watch List 2025 of Open Doors International
IIRF joins organizations’ call to ensure respect for religious freedom in Nigeria
The International Institute for Religious Freedom call for the immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.
Audit statement of the World Watch List 2023 published
The IIRF releases the audit statement of the World Watch List 2023 of Open Doors International
SIGN: Calling Cuba government to invite UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB for a country visit
We write to urge your Government to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to visit Cuba.
Religious Freedom News
Anti-Semitism—Christian, Islamic, Secular
On the history of the violation and denial of religious freedom for Jews
“FoRB and the European Union”
ISFORB International Conference, 7-8 May 2026 ETF Leuven, Belgium
Focus on religious freedom: Swiss churches sign joint declaration
In his keynote speech, Thomas Schirrmacher emphasizes that no state can function without religious freedom
The Global Imams Council publishes a Statement against the Persecution of Christians
The Global Imams Council (GIC) has published a Statement against the Persecution of Christians which we reproduce here.
“Put a stop to the enemies of freedom of religion and belief!”
The yearbooks on Religious Freedom 2025 and on Persecution and Discrimination of Christians 2025 were presented in Berlin today.