October 23, 2026 Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: This report documents religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan throughout 2026, including systematic restrictions on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and other prominent violations of religious freedom. In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State maintain Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List for countries that advance or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. Azerbaijan Country Update – Religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan remain highly restricted. The government’s total control of religious life and affairs leaves no room for independent religious affiliations, expression, or activities. This report provides updates on the religious freedom situation in Azerbaijan and highlights recent cases of freedom of religion or belief violations. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State maintain Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom. In June, USCIRF held a hearing on religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected]