The United States has repeatedly and publicly expressed concerns about abuses of religious freedom in the PRC, including in Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. Read the Department of State’s 2022 International Religious Freedom report here. state.gov/reports/2022-r…

NEW: Beijing still forces Uyghurs to pick cotton

Coercive labor is getting less visible but more intense.

Outlines key findings from (a) my new research article on cotton, and (b) from Xinjiang's new intensified labor transfer policy under Ma Xingrui. foreignpolicy.com/2023/05/16/chi…

I'm sponsoring Nigerian political prisoner Mubarak Bala through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Commission. Bala is imprisoned for not believing in an afterlife and speaking out against religious extremism. His case underscores the dangers of theocracy. President Buhari, free him now!

We are SO excited to be a part of this event next week! Thank you for having us!

.Secretary Antony Blinken and I spoke to civil society leaders in announcing the release of the Intl Religious Freedom Report  #IRFReport2022 , compiled by Department of State officers around the world & experts in the IRF Office. It includes input from:
- governments
- media
- civil society
- victims
-…

Ramadan lights decorate Piccadilly Circus in London's West End for the first time ever. The display included over 30,000 lights in London's first display marking Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
(AFP)

'The United States alone cannot prevent these crimes,' Preventing Genocide's Naomi Kikoler said. 'We must work with other governments, Uyghur civil society and the private sector to develop a swift, coordinated and global strategy to protect the Uyghur community.' apnews.com/article/china-…

Troubling news that #Indian authorities have blocked the internet in Punjab for 4 days - impacting 27 million people. Concerned that police and paramilitary troops are being deployed with little information available to residents.
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/03/20…

We welcome Belgium joining Austria in approving Buddhists’ request for recognition. Countries with registration/recognition requirements must apply them transparently, consistently & fairly. Those that safeguard this and other human rights are more peaceful, stable & prosperous.

I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we call attention to people around the world who are harassed, detained, or even killed for practicing Islam or being perceived as Muslim. We are committed to combatting all forms of Islamophobia.

'Papering over forced labor in your supply chains is no longer an option,' said @NuryTurkel.

The #UFLPA should be a model for the rest of the world to block forced labor goods.
rfa.org/english/news/u…

Gulshan Abbas is a Uyghur physician imprisoned in Xinjiang. 4 years ago, PRC authorities reportedly sentenced her to 20 years in prison on unfounded charges. I urge the PRC to take the humanitarian step to release Dr. Abbas and allow her to be with her daughters & granddaughters.