The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission established by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA, Public Law 105-292) to monitor the status of freedom of religion or belief abroad as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments. It reviews facts and circumstances of violations, identifies Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs), and makes annual policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF is composed of nine Commissioners appointed by the President and congressional leaders, plus ex-officio members including ambassadors and State Department officials. It produces annual reports and holds hearings on religious freedom issues worldwide.