Office of International Religious Freedom

Our Mission

The Office of International Religious Freedom promotes universal respect for freedom of religion or belief for all as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy. We monitor religiously motivated abuses, harassment, and discrimination worldwide, and recommend, develop, and implement policies and programs to address these concerns.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Reception to Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr

Key Topics

Engaging Faith-Based Actors

Faith-based actors, organizations, and communities play an influential role in every region of the world and on nearly every issue central to American foreign policy. These areas include promoting democratic values, protecting the environment, maintaining global health security, and more.

Learn more about engaging faith-based actors on shared goals

Monitoring and Combatting Antisemitism

The Office of International Religious Freedom works with The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism to advance U.S. foreign policy on antisemitism, including the development and implementation of policies and projects to support efforts to combat antisemitism.

Learn More about Monitoring and Combatting Antisemitism

Legislation

The 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, passed unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, established the Office of International Religious Freedom at the Department of State.

Learn More about Legislation

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out why the Department of State publishes the annual International Religious Freedom Report and designates Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs).

Learn More about IRF Report and Countries of Particular Concern