In spite of the significant regional political changes, Eritrea continues to have one of the worst religious freedom records in Africa and it has shown little interest in concretely improving the situation. No new religious institutions were officially registered, and thus only four religious communities remain legally permitted to operate: the Coptic Orthodox Church of Eritrea, Sunni Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Church of Eritrea, a Lutheran-affiliated denomination.

Source: THE ABUNA BLESSES THE FOUNTAIN IN ASMARA FOR TIMKET, REUTERS / Old

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Patriarch Abune Antonios

Patriarch Abune Antonios was born on July 12, 1927, in Himberti, a town north of the Eritrean capital, Asmara. He was ordained as the third Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tawahedo Church in 2004.

At age 5, Patriarch Antonios… Read More >

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Patriarch Abune Antonios

Patriarch Abune Antonios was born on July 12, 1927, in Himberti, a town north of the Eritrean capital, Asmara. He was ordained as the third Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tawahedo Church in 2004.

At age 5, Patriarch Antonios… Read More >

Recent News

All
Press Releases
Op-Eds
Speeches
Spotlight

USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses

USCIRF Releases Report Analyzing State Department CPC Designations

USCIRF Highlights Religious Freedom Violations in Eritrea Amidst Two Decades of Pastors’ Imprisonment

USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy

USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern

View All News

USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses

USCIRF Releases Report Analyzing State Department CPC Designations

USCIRF Highlights Religious Freedom Violations in Eritrea Amidst Two Decades of Pastors’ Imprisonment

USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy

USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern

View Press Releases

Religion News Service: Repression of women points to worsening religious freedom trends abroad

The Hill: The List No One Wants to Be On

Washington Examiner: Restoring religious freedom in the 'North Korea of Africa'

Religion News Service: Stripped of his title and illegally replaced, Eritrea’s spiritual leader languishes in detention

Philadelphia Inquirer -- Commentary: Release every religious prisoner of conscience

View Op-Eds

Remarks by USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, 2013 Annual Report, National Endowment for Democracy

View Speeches
Sorry, no results found.
View Spotlight

Publications

Annual Report
Reports, Briefs, and Factsheets

2024 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

View Annual Report Chapters & Translations

Religious Freedom Challenges for Jehovah’s Witnesses

November 22, 2024

25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act

October 16, 2023

Eritrea Country Update

August 29, 2023

Religious Freedom Concerns in the Horn of Africa

February 07, 2023

View Reports, Briefs, and Factsheets

Congressional Testimony

Congressional Testimony
Government Correspondence

Testimony of Vice Chair Maenza on Global Persecution of Christians

July 09, 2019

Testimony of Commissioner Thomas Reese on Refugees and Religious Freedom Eritrea

April 18, 2018

View Congressional Testimony
Sorry, no results found.
View Government Correspondence