Religious Freedom and the Prohibition of Torture and ILL Treatment

This factsheet examines how violations of religious freedom around the world often intersect with torture and ill treatment, revealing how state and nonstate actors use coercion, abuse, and discriminatory practices to suppress belief. It outlines U.S. policy responsibilities under the International Religious Freedom Act and explains how torture frequently informs “countries of particular concern” designations. Drawing from United Nations findings and USCIRF case documentation, the report highlights real-world examples—from medical neglect to forced renunciations—to show how religious persecution can meet the legal threshold of torture. The resource ultimately provides a clearer framework for recognizing, documenting, and responding to these intertwined human rights abuses.