In January, the annual World Watch List persecution report was published once again. According to data collected by a vast global reporting network, “violence and authoritarian restrictions against Christians have increased, particularly in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Persecution research indicates that living as a Christian has become especially difficult in Kyrgyzstan.”
The persecution report ranks North Korea once again as the most dangerous country for Christians. The country has topped Open Doors’ list since 2002, with the exception of 2022, when Afghanistan became the most dangerous country for Christians following the Taliban’s takeover.
Persecution increased last year not only in Central Asia but also in Yemen, which has been ravaged by civil war and attacks by Houthi rebels. In Myanmar, persecution has reached an extreme level due to the conflict between the country’s armed forces and the opposition.
It is also notable that not all persecution is purely physical. For instance, “China’s evolving surveillance technology has further restricted religious freedom for Christians.”
During the research period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, 4,476 Christians were killed for their faith, and attacks on Christian-owned shops, homes, and businesses occurred 28,368 times. According to the report, approximately 380 million Christians worldwide face severe persecution. A particularly concerning trend has been observed in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Sudan, and Nigeria.
KATT / Open Doors / WWL
