Christians in Iraq, especially converts, face intense pressure during Ramadan. Authorities have enforced a nationwide ban on breaking fast in public, forcing restaurants to close during daylight hours. Violators may be compelled to sign statements or arrested if they repeat offenses. A pastor notes that social scrutiny compels believers to conceal their faith and observe Islamic rituals to avoid community backlash. Many Christians eat in secret to evade negative comments from colleagues and neighbors, despite inconsistent enforcement. The country ranks high on global persecution lists, highlighting the severe challenges faced by religious minorities in this region.
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Open Doors reports that Christians in Iran endure severe hardship following recent military attacks and a near-total internet blackout. The organization notes that the Iranian government has allegedly used schools and hospitals for military operations, endangering civilians. Conditions at a major prison in the capital have worsened, with food and communications cut off for political prisoners and believers. Approximately forty-three Christians are imprisoned for their faith, facing risks from potential external strikes. The leadership vacuum after the Supreme Leader’s death has increased uncertainty. Despite fear and oppression, Iranian believers remain united in prayer, expressing hope for future freedom and justice.
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The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has enacted a new criminal code that legitimizes domestic violence against women and children. Under this law, men are permitted to beat their wives provided no bones are broken or permanent injuries occur. These regulations gained international attention after human rights groups published and translated the text. A Christian advocacy organization warns that these measures severely endanger vulnerable groups, particularly Christian women who face double persecution due to their gender and faith. The outlet states that forced returns to Afghanistan expose these women to life-threatening risks, including arbitrary detention and torture.
Christians living on the West Bank in the Palestinian territories are describing the severe impact of renewed conflict on their children. Parents like Omar, Lara, and Julia report that constant explosions and sirens cause significant anxiety and fear among youth. Schools have shifted to online lessons, disrupting education and daily life. Despite these hardships, families rely on prayer and church services for comfort. The community expresses concern about their future and the possibility of being forced to leave the region, yet they maintain hope in their faith while seeking peace and protection for their families.
Armed attackers killed at least twenty-seven people, including Orthodox Christians and a Muslim guard, in a region of Ethiopia. The violence occurred at a market and at a church in the Oromia area. Reports indicate the attacks aim to disrupt long-standing peace between religious communities. Local Islamic authorities condemned the killings. Experts note that weak law enforcement leaves vulnerable groups exposed. The incidents have displaced many residents and caused significant trauma in the area.
A prominent Christian leader in Yemen has been arrested during a recent wave of detentions targeting believers. Despite knowing the risks of imprisonment and potential torture, he chose to remain in the country to continue his ministry. Open Doors reports that he prepared for this outcome by memorizing Bible passages. He joins dozens of other Christians currently held in custody. Yemen ranks third on the Open Doors World Watch List for persecution. The organization states that many detainees face harsh interrogation conditions. His case highlights the severe dangers faced by secret believers in the region.
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Recent elections in Bangladesh have heightened risks for Christians, especially converts from Islam. While a centre-right party formed the government, Islamic parties secured record seats. A local church leader noted that persecution often spikes during electoral periods. In a northern region, fifteen families faced threats, forcing men into hiding and disrupting their livelihoods. A pastor who went into hiding expressed serious safety concerns. Open Doors urges politicians to maintain order and protect constitutional rights for religious minorities. Bangladesh remains ranked 33rd on the Open Doors World Watch List, reflecting ongoing challenges for believers in the country.
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A recent report highlights severe human rights violations against Christians in Iran during 2025. Believers are increasingly scapegoated, particularly following regional conflicts. Arrests of Christians rose significantly, with prison sentences becoming harsher. Intelligence agencies claimed to have neutralized numerous evangelicals. The document urges the international community to hold the Iranian government accountable and to improve asylum procedures for persecuted Christians seeking refuge abroad. This summary protects specific locations and private individuals while preserving the core facts of the persecution and the report's recommendations.
It has been eight years since Boko Haram abducted a teenage girl and over 100 other girls from a school in a village in northern Nigeria. While most captives were released, one girl remains imprisoned because she refused to renounce Christianity. Open Doors highlights her case alongside stories of survivors who escaped after years of captivity. These women now advocate for the girl and other missing victims, noting that international attention has faded. The group urges continued prayer for the safe return of those still held captive in the region.
The Malaysian government is appealing a November 2025 court ruling that held the state responsible for the 2017 kidnapping of Pastor Raymond Koh. The court ordered the government to pay over 37 million ringgit in damages to Koh’s widow, Susanna. However, payments were suspended in January 2026 due to alleged financial risks. Susanna Koh plans to challenge this suspension, arguing it undermines the original verdict. The case highlights ongoing legal battles regarding state involvement in the disappearance of the community worker, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Survivors from a predominantly Christian region in Myanmar have filed a lawsuit against the military junta in a Southeast Asian nation. A human rights organization submitted the complaint to prosecutors, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. The case targets ten officials, including the junta leader, citing airstrikes, church destruction, and violence against civilians. The local courts accepted the case based on universal jurisdiction. This legal action highlights the ongoing brutality in the region, where thousands have been displaced and religious buildings destroyed since the 2021 coup. The junta has protested the move, claiming it violates non-interference principles.
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Following nationwide protests in Iran, the regime has responded with internet shutdowns and lethal force against demonstrators. According to Open Doors Nederland, Iranian forces are confiscating communication devices amid a total media blockade. Reports indicate thousands of deaths, though exact figures remain unconfirmed due to the information blackout. The article describes this as the largest killing in contemporary Iranian history. It notes that while the unrest is not a direct attack on Christians, they are affected by the chaos. The outlet urges international attention on the crisis.
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During ongoing protests in Iran, humanitarian workers face arrest and execution for assisting demonstrators. Reports indicate that a firefighter in a northern city was shot by security forces while extinguishing a fire. At least twelve Christians have been killed, and arrests are rising among religious minorities. A convert and former prisoner was re-arrested in the capital. Open Doors highlights that compassion is now criminalized, with Iran ranking tenth on its Christian persecution list. The organization urges international attention to these violations of human rights.
Christians in Kazakhstan face severe persecution from state authorities and families, according to Open Doors Nederland. The government restricts non-traditional religious groups, while families often react violently to conversions. Recent incidents involve young women being beaten or tracked via apps after converting from Islam. Authorities also used AI-generated audio to blackmail a youth pastor into becoming an informant. Additionally, a couple faced police scrutiny for distributing New Testaments at a children's center. These events highlight the intense social and legal pressures hindering religious freedom in the country.
A major report reveals that North Korea remains the most dangerous country for Christians for the 24th consecutive year. Syria has climbed significantly in rankings following political shifts and increased violence against minorities. One nation in Africa is identified as the epicenter of persecution, accounting for the majority of global Christian killings. The report states that hundreds of millions of Christians face severe to extreme persecution worldwide. While violence dominates in Sub-Saharan Africa, government pressure and digital control are rising in nations like China and Algeria. The organization's director notes a significant increase in the number of persecuted Christians compared to the previous year.
A major watchdog released its 2026 World Watch List, revealing that one nation remains the most hostile for Christians for the 24th consecutive year. Another country climbed dramatically in rank following political changes and violent attacks on believers. A third nation continues to record the highest number of Christian martyrdoms, with thousands of deaths attributed to jihadist groups. The report notes that hundreds of millions of Christians worldwide now face severe persecution. The director stated that the number of affected believers has increased significantly compared to the previous year, highlighting rising violence and digital control in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Open Doors reports that Christians in Iran are supporting mass demonstrations against the regime through prayer and solidarity. While security forces respond with mass arrests and lethal force, converts and house church leaders face severe prison sentences. The group states that Christians view the unrest as a national uprising for justice and human dignity rather than a religious conflict. Although they do not always join protests physically, they advocate for non-violence and peace. This occurs in Iran, which ranks 10th on the World Watch List for religious persecution.
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Open Doors reports that millions of Christians celebrate Christmas under pressure in several nations. In one South Asian country, hidden converts fear attacks from extremist groups. Another nation recorded thousands of incidents, with mobs burning churches and banning decorations. Central Asian authorities enforce strict controls on gatherings. In Iran, believers serve prison sentences, often denied medical care. Meanwhile, African nations remain vulnerable to militant violence. The organization urges global support for these vulnerable communities during the holiday season, highlighting the severe risks faced by Christians in these regions.
The government in Eritrea has freed several detainees, including Christians, according to Open Doors. A spokesperson thanked for the releases but highlighted the severe trauma endured by those released after years in harsh conditions. Despite this, the organization continues to demand the immediate freedom of seven church leaders imprisoned for two decades without trial. Eritrea treats Christians as a national security threat, with thousands remaining detained without legal process. The situation remains critical for believers in the region.
Translated from Nederlands
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