March 20, 2026
The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan continue to merit serious concern for
their treatment of religious and cultural minorities.
In its 2026 Annual Report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
(USCIRF) recommended that the U.S. government maintain close scrutiny of Turkey for
engaging in ongoing violations of religious freedom and consider appropriate monitoring
mechanisms for Azerbaijan in light of mounting evidence of abuses affecting Armenian Christian
heritage and religious life.
The 2026 Report noted that Turkey continues to impose structural restrictions on religious
minorities, including limitations on clergy training, interference with internal religious
governance, and barriers to property rights. These longstanding policies have particularly
affected the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other Christian communities, contributing to a gradual
erosion of religious pluralism. The Report further emphasized that administrative and legal
obstacles, such as restrictions on residency permits for foreign clergy and the continued closure
of the Halki Theological School, pose an existential challenge to the sustainability of historic
Christian institutions in Turkey. Taken together, these measures risk undermining the ability of
religious communities to function, educate clergy, and preserve their traditions.
In Azerbaijan, the Report highlighted growing concerns regarding the protection of Armenian
religious and cultural heritage, particularly in and around the region of Artsakh (Nagorno-
Karabakh). Documented incidents include the destruction, alteration, or appropriation of
Armenian churches, monasteries, and cemeteries, raising serious questions about compliance
with international standards on cultural and religious preservation. The targeting of Armenian
Christian heritage sites, some dating back centuries, has been accompanied by broader
restrictions on access, monitoring, and independent verification, limiting transparency and
accountability. These actions risk permanently erasing irreplaceable evidence of a historic
religious presence in the region.
Notably, the Chair of USCIRF issued a dissenting view recommending that Azerbaijan be
designated as a Country of Particular Concern, alongside countries such as North Korea,
Pakistan, and Burma, due to the severity and trajectory of violations. The dissent also cited the
arrest and prosecution of Armenians, raising due process concerns alongside broader patterns
of repression. These developments, coupled with documented threats to religious heritage,
underscore the urgency of increased international scrutiny.
The Armenian Bar Association underscores the importance of USCIRF’s independent
monitoring role and its engagement with affected communities. On February 19, 2026, USCIRF
convened a special listening session in Los Angeles to hear directly from local stakeholders. At
the initiative of the Commission’s Vice Chair, several Commissioners traveled to California for
this dialogue, with Glendale Council Member Ardy Kassakhian serving as the lead local
organizer. Such engagement is critical to ensuring that Armenia-related concerns are fully
reflected in U.S. religious freedom policy discussions.
At this session, the Armenian Bar Association, through its Vice Chair, Steve Dadaian, delivered
oral testimony and provided Commissioners and staff with copies of its “Dadivank” report, along
with advocacy materials previously shared at the International Religious Freedom Summit in
Washington, D.C. The Association also submitted written testimony calling for the release of
Armenian prisoners detained in Baku and subjected to sham proceedings lacking due process
and transparency. Additional advocacy emphasized the right of return of Artsakhtsis under
international law and the urgent need to safeguard Armenian cultural and religious heritage in
both Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The delegation expressed concerns regarding actions by the Armenian government affecting
religious freedom, including allegations of crackdowns impacting the Armenian Apostolic
Church.
The Armenian Bar Association’s engagement in international religious freedom advocacy
extends back to 2020. Since then, under the leadership of former ArmenBar Chair Sonya
Nersessian and former Board Member Claire Kedeshian, the Bar has participated in regular
consultations within the broader international religious freedom community, contributed to multifaith
advocacy efforts, maintained an active presence at annual International Religious Freedom
Summits, and supported the development of coordinated initiatives focused on Armenia-related
cultural heritage concerns. These efforts reflect sustained collaboration between civil society
and policy-focused institutions, recognizing the complementary roles of independent
commissions such as USCIRF and broader advocacy platforms.
