Jun 11, 2021

USCIRF Releases Factsheet Highlighting Nonbelievers in Africa

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report highlighting the condition of nonbelievers in Africa:

Nonbelievers in Africa Factsheet – This factsheet assesses conditions for nonbelievers in Africa, which includes those who identify as atheist, agnostic, freethinker, humanist, secularist, and individuals who do not identify with any religion. Evidence shows that the percentage of nonbelievers in Africa has been growing, especially among youth. The report highlights the immense challenges which members of this community face in seeking to live by their nonbelief in religion or a deity. The factsheet also provides specific examples of discrimination against nonbelievers in several countries across the continent of Africa.  

In its 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF reported on government restrictions and societal discriminations against nonbelievers in several countries around the world. USCIRF recommended that the U.S. government work with its allies and partners around the world to ensure that nonbelievers are guaranteed their rights not to believe in a religion or a deity.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity 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].