USCIRF 2025 report: Hungary and Russia’s Growing Religious Intolerance Under the Spotlight

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released its 2025 annual report, painting a grim picture of religious repression and discrimination worldwide.

From state-controlled religious policies in China to the persecution of Christian and Muslim minorities across various regions, the report underscores ongoing threats to religious freedom.

Among the European nations analysed, Hungary and Russia stand out as worrysome areas in Europe, raising questions about the future of religious liberties on the continent.

A Global Overview: Worsening Conditions for Religious Freedom

The report identifies 16 “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs), including Afghanistan, Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. These nations are cited for engaging in systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom, from blasphemy laws to outright persecution of religious minorities.

The “Special Watch List” (SWL), which includes countries with severe but slightly less extreme violations, names Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. The report also highlights the role of non-state actors, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s various branches, in committing religiously motivated atrocities.

Hungary: Legal Constraints and Governmental Control

Hungary’s approach to religious freedom remains a contentious issue. While the country does not engage in outright religious persecution, its legal framework has been criticized for restricting religious rights through bureaucratic and legal mechanisms.

A key issue noted in the report is Article 9 of the Hungarian Constitution, which permits limitations on free expression if deemed offensive to religious communities. Critics argue that this provision allows religious groups to stifle dissent and silence opposing viewpoints under the guise of protecting their dignity.

The country’s Church Law also remains problematic. Under current regulations, the government has the authority to deny legal recognition to religious organizations based on their size or historical presence in Hungary. This has led to the exclusion of smaller and newer religious groups, which are denied the same rights and benefits as larger, state-approved religious institutions.

Despite these concerns, Hungary has made efforts to engage in international discussions on religious discrimination. In May, the government hosted U.S. Special Envoy on Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt, and in September, Hungary held a two-day European Commission meeting on implementing the EU strategy against antisemitism. However, these diplomatic efforts contrast sharply with internal policies that limit religious pluralism and seem to serve as a shield against scrutiny of its broader policies that disproportionately target non-Christian religious groups. While advocating against antisemitism, Hungary’s legal framework continues to marginalize smaller religious organizations, particularly those outside the Christian tradition, raising concerns that these efforts are selectively applied to deflect criticism rather than ensure genuine religious freedom.

The report also highlights legal actions against religious groups. In January, a Hungarian court issued a non-binding conviction against 21 people associated with a Scientology-affiliated organization for “quackery” related to alternative medical treatments. However, the case remains open, with around 60 witnesses—most of whom support the drug rehabilitation program run by the organization. This case, while framed as a consumer protection issue, has been interpreted by some as an effort to further delegitimize non-mainstream religious groups.

Hungary’s increasing control over religious organizations, which has also been pointed out the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB Dr Nazila Ghanea in her country visit report (A/HRC/58/49/Add.1) bears striking similarities to Russia’s approach, where state-approved religions are privileged while minority groups face legal and societal obstacles. The shift in Hungary’s policies, favoring a state-defined religious landscape, marks a clear departure from the broader U.S. and Western European views on religious freedom. As Russia continues to employ heavy-handed measures against religious minorities, Hungary’s tightening grip on religious expression suggests a growing alignment with authoritarian religious policies rather than the pluralistic model endorsed by the United States.

Russia: Repression Under the Guise of Security

Russia remains a key violator of religious freedoms and is once again designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by USCIRF. The government continues to use its anti-extremism laws to suppress religious minorities, disproportionately targeting Jehovah’s Witnesses, independent Muslims, evangelical Protestants, and other groups.

The Russian Orthodox Church continues to benefit from state favoritism, while non-Orthodox religious groups are often treated as security threats. Jehovah’s Witnesses, in particular, face significant persecution, with dozens of members imprisoned on extremism charges despite their well-documented commitment to nonviolence. Also Scientologists are being persecuted.

In Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, religious repression has intensified. The report highlights the targeting of Ukrainian Orthodox Church members who refuse to align with Moscow’s religious policies. Authorities in these regions have arrested religious leaders, confiscated church properties, and banned non-Orthodox religious gatherings.

Additionally, Russia has been accused of engaging in antisemitic rhetoric and Holocaust distortion, using historical revisionism to justify political narratives. Jewish communities in Russia face increasing social hostility, with government-backed media amplifying antisemitic conspiracies.

The Broader European Context

Hungary and Russia are not alone in facing scrutiny. The report highlights increasing hostility toward Muslim communities across Europe, citing France’s hijab restrictions in the 2024 Paris Olympics and anti-Muslim rhetoric in the UK. Additionally, antisemitic attacks have risen across the continent, with incidents reported in Germany, Canada, and Tunisia.

Despite these concerning trends, the report also acknowledges positive developments, such as legislative efforts to protect religious sites during armed conflicts and initiatives to counter transnational repression targeting religious minorities.

Conclusion: A Call for Stronger Advocacy

The 2025 USCIRF report serves as a stark reminder that religious freedom remains under threat globally. While authoritarian regimes like China and Iran continue their crackdowns on religious expression, democratic nations such as Hungary and Russia are also enacting policies that limit religious pluralism.

The report calls on the U.S. government and international bodies to increase diplomatic pressure, enforce targeted sanctions, and support advocacy for persecuted religious groups. As religious repression continues to evolve, the fight for global religious freedom remains more crucial than ever.

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