USCIRF Spotlight Podcast

Release Date

All Episodes

Independent Media and its Essential Role in Promoting FoRB throughout Central Asia

In Central Asia, independent media plays an essential role in shedding light on freedom of religion of belief (FoRB) violations. As a result, Central Asian governments attempt to silence independent journalists and bloggers to conceal their FoRB abuses. Such intimidation campaign ... Show more

. 26min 5sec

The Status of FoRB in North Korea: A Conversation with North Korean Escapees

North Korea remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for individuals from all religious backgrounds, particularly for Christians. Organized religion in North Korea has reportedly been almost entirely eliminated. North Korean escapee testimony is the primary and the m ... Show more

. 29min 31sec

Religious Freedom Under Threat: Enforced Disappearances in Malaysia

On November 5, 2025, the High Court ruled in favor of the family of missing Pastor Raymond Koh, finding the Malaysian government and police liable for his abduction and enforced disappearance in 2017. While the court’s decision brought comfort to Koh’s family, his whereabouts rem ... Show more

. 31min 23sec

A Conversation with a Legal Expert on Vietnam: FoRB in Focus

Vietnam’s government strictly regulates and controls religious affairs through state-approved religious organizations. Vietnamese authorities have frequently harassed, detained, arrested, and imprisoned members and advocates of unregistered religious communities that have sought ... Show more

. 30min 54sec

U.S. Policy Addressing China’s FoRB Abuses against Uyghurs

The Chinese government under Xi Jinping placed an estimated one million Uyghurs in concentration camps, subjecting them to forced labor and other horrific abuses. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has also destroyed or modified mosques all as part of a “sinicization” policy to as ... Show more

. 30min 55sec