IIRF Updates
The hidden reach of arrests, sentences, and abductions
This report from the IIRF, drawing from the VID, maps these under-reported but deeply consequential forms of persecution.
Seeing the hidden patterns: Subnational insights from the Violent Incidents Database
Violations of religious freedom are often described at the national level, as major events tied to authoritarian regimes or regions gripped by conflict. But the
The state of global religious freedom violations against Christians
The IIRF, in partnership with GCR, released a January 2025 report on the global Christian community’s experiences of violence and persecution.
The leading non-Christian targets of religious violence
The IIRF has published a report using its VID, highlighting the ten countries with the most documented incidents of violence against religious groups other than Christians between November 2022 and November 2024.
Shining a light on religious freedom: a new tool for global insight
One of the flagship initiatives of the IIRF, the VID, represents a landmark contribution to the global effort to promote religious freedom.
New book on religious freedom in Mexico and Colombia now available
IIRF has published Camila Sánchez Sandoval’s book Religious Freedom in Mexico and Colombia, making her innovative and groundbreaking work available in English.
Statements
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.
Protecting Life: Nobody should be killed for their choice or expression of religion or belief
UNGA resolution on Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Protecting Life: Nobody should be killed for their choice of religion or belief
UNGA resolution Moratorium on the use of the death penalty
Religious Freedom News
IIRF president highlights religious freedom violations in Turkey at hearing
IIRF president Schirrmacher was among the speakers as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom held a hearing on August 14 regarding violations of religious liberty in Turkey.
Keep commissioner for religious freedom, IIRF president urges Germany
IIRF President Thomas Schirrmacher has called on the parties negotiating a new government in Germany to retain the office of the Commissioner for Religious Freedom
Turning point in Damascus: How do Christians in Syria look to the future?
An interview with His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church
New on-demand course on FoRB
The Swedish Mission Council (SMC) has released a new online course, “Christian Theology and FoRB,” to help Christians understand why their faith commitment should call
The IIRF shares several calls for papers and upcoming religious freedom conferences
ISFORB Conference • Fjellhaug Symposium • Symposium on religious freedom: normative basis – actual state – resulting challenges • Kongress Christenverfolgung heute
Hope Amid the Rubble: The Resilience of Gaza’s Christian Community
Interviews with Dr. Ronald Boyd-MacMillan, Director of Global Strategy and Research for Global Christian Relief. RBM is one of the world’s experts at reading the