Afghanistan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
All Christians with an Afghan nationality are converts from a Muslim background. If it becomes known that someone has converted to Christianity, he or she faces heavy societal and familial pressure.
Algeria ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
As Islam is becoming increasingly visible in Algeria’s government, freedom for Christians is becoming more and more restricted. Radical Islamic movements influence the government and society, and Algeria is increasingly the scene of more terror. This is having a real impact on the Christian population in the country.
Azerbaijan
COUNTRY PROFILE: AZERBAIJAN Updated November 2015 Population: 9.7 million Capital: Baku Government: Republic but with authoritarian presidential rule Religion: Muslim 87.5%; Non-religious 9.5%; Christian 2.7%; Other 0.3% HISTORY and SOCIETY Azerbaijan is still defining itself as a nation after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, which marked the end of a long history… Continue Reading
Azerbaijan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia/Islamic Extremism
The government has a negative attitude towards any form of religious fanaticism. This also applies to the attitude towards Christians. Official checks are becoming increasingly strict. The government has become more active in controlling religion.
Bangladesh ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Bangladesh continues to be a secular country and its constitution is giving freedom to all religions to practice their own faith. The country does not have blasphemy laws or an anti-conversion bill. On the other hand, the constitution also states that state religion is Islam and the government is known to give in to Islamic pressure from the streets, despite fighting the Islamic party by all means. Additionally, there are fatwas implemented all over the country, especially in rural areas.
Bhutan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Religious Nationalism
In Bhutan there is an increasingly strict emphasis on Buddhism as a core part of the country’s heritage, therefore, the government sees its duty to protect Buddhism. Bhutan used to be a Buddhist kingdom for centuries, but has introduced a constitutional monarchy and democratic elections.
Brunei ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
In Brunei, contact with Christians in other countries, the import of Bibles and the public celebration of Christmas are banned. Sharia law has been fully implemented since 2011 for all Muslims in the country.
Burma (Myanmar) ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Religious persecution has become a weapon of war. Two of the largest minority groups, the Chin and Karen, include large numbers of Christians, as do the Kachin. Despite an official ceasefire, fighting resumed in Kachin state in 2011, driving 100,000 from their homes. The Rohingya Muslims in western Burma have also been targeted and are currently under heavy persecution. Continue Reading
Burma Myanmar ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Religious Nationalism/Dictatorial Paranoia
The majority of Myanmar’s people are of Burmese ethnicity, also called ‘Bama’. Being Bama is equated with being Buddhist – anyone who differs him or herself is labelled as being potentially dangerous.
Burundi ~ Profile CIP
Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and the Democratic; Republic of the Congo to the west. Continue Reading
Burundi ~ Profile Overview BBC
Updated: 30 July 2015 | Original Source: bbc.com | First Posted BBC – 29 November 2012 | Source | | | | majority. The ethnic violence sparked off in 1994 made Burundi the scene of one of Africa’s most intractable conflicts. It began to reap… Continue Reading
Burundi profile – Facts
Burundi’s 12-year civil war ended in 2006, but at least one rebel group remained active after that. More… Continue Reading
Burundi profile – Leaders
Born in 1964 in Ngozi province, Pierre Nkurunziza trained as a sports teacher. His father, a former MP, was killed in ethnic violence in 1972.
He joined the Hutu rebellion in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become head of the FDD in 2001. He sustained a serious mortar injury during the conflict. The married father of five is a born-again Christian. Continue Reading
Burundi profile – Media
Operating in a turbulent political climate, Burundi’s media are subject to self-censorship and occasional government censorship.
In June 2013 President Nkurunziza approved a new media law which critics condemned as an attack on press freedom. The law forbids reporting on matters that could “undermine national security, public order or the economy”. Continue Reading
Burundi profile – Timeline
30 July 2015 | Original Source: bbc.com 2008 May – Government and FNL rebels sign ceasefire. FNL leader Agathon Rwasa returns home from exile in Tanzania. 2009 March – The Paris Club of creditor nations cancels all of the $134.3m debt… Continue Reading
Central African Republic ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a Christian majority country that in 2013 witnessed brutal violence against Christians by the Séléka movement.
China ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Communist Oppression
Under the new president, Xi Jinping, the Communist government aims at controlling religious activities. While in most regions in China Christian activities have been watched rather than controlled, unregistered house churches especially could be affected by a new program to eradicate so-called ‘evil cults’ – some of which have (contorted) Christian roots.
China ~ Release Int. Country Profile
PERSECUTION
In an attempt to silence its international critics, China has in recent years passed laws purporting to underline its commitment to religious freedom.
Such laws are, however, contradicted by secret official documents leaked to the international media. These speak of the regime’s intention to ‘boost Marxist atheism research, propaganda and education’ and to ‘ban all uncivilised conduct in spreading superstitions’ – a description often used of house church activity. Continue Reading
Colombia ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Organized Corruption/Tribal Antagonism
All Christians can become victims of Organized corruption by criminal groups, however, those affected tend to be outspoken Christians who play prominent roles in social or public life, or those in leadership positions both at community and national levels.
Comoros ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
In 2009 Comoros had a referendum which lead to adopting Islam as the state religion. This change in the constitution severely inhibits the existence of other religions. Among the population at large, there is a rise of sympathies with radical Islam, and this is having an impact on the Christians.
Djibouti ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Dictatorial Paranoia
The situation for Christians in poverty-stricken Djibouti is worsening, with a dramatic increase in the pressure on Christians.
Egypt ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
In recent years, Christians in Egypt – not only Christian converts from a Muslim background, but also the large indigenous Coptic community – have come increasingly under pressure.
Egypt ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
What followed was a violent backlash against the Christian minority, whom militants accused of conspiring to bring down the elected government. Egypt’s Christians pointed out that many millions of Egyptians, including secularists and moderate Muslims, came together to call for President Morsi’s removal, and insisted the Christian minority had been made into a scapegoat.
Tensions between Christians and Muslims sometimes ran high before the removal of the President. But after the President’s ousting Islamists carried out a wave of attacks against Christian churches, homes, businesses and institutions across the country. Continue Reading
Egypt Blasphemy Charge – Release Campaigns For Full Religious Freedom
With the news that an Egyptian Christian has been jailed indefinitely for sharing his faith with Muslims, Release International is pressing Egypt to make good its guarantee of freedom of religion for its dwindling Christian minority. Release, which sup… Continue Reading
Eritrea ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia/Islamic Extremism/Ecclesiastical Arrogance
In recent years, there has been increasing pressure and violence on Christians in Eritrea, in particular for non-traditional protestant Christian communities.
Ethiopia ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Ecclesiastical arrogance
At present, the main sources of persecution affecting Christians in Ethiopia are ‘Islamic extremism’ and ‘Ecclesiastical arrogance’. ‘Dictatorial paranoia’ and ‘Tribal antagonism’ are secondary persecution engines.
India ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Religious Nationalism
All types of Christianity are affected by persecution in India, but Christian converts from a Hindu background and non-traditional Protestant groups are suffering most.
India ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Hindu nationalists have been open and violent in opposing the church. Several pastors have been murdered, others beaten. Churches and their congregations have been attacked or threatened.
More recently, persecution of Christians has been particularly intense in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states in the south. Pastors of independent churches in rural places – a significant area for church growth – have been a particular target. Continue Reading
Indonesia ~ Open Doors Country Profile
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The situation Indonesian Christians find themselves in is diverse. While there is much hope related to the newly elected president and his public statements concerning religious minorities, and radical Islamic groups continue to act violently when it comes to minorities, especially Christians, putting them in certain parts of the country under enormous pressure. Christian converts from Islam are especially affected by this. Continue Reading
Iran ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Christians make up just half of one per cent of the population.
Release contacts suggest that ordinary Christians who keep a low profile are able to practise their faith quietly, without too much interference. Most Christians in Iran now meet in private homes.
More prominent believers such as pastors may, however, find themselves under scrutiny and being monitored by the Ministry of Islamic Guidance. Continue Reading
Iraq ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Persecution for Christians in Iraq increased in every sphere of life, after the militants of Islamic State took hold of numerous towns and cities across Iraq in June 2014, telling Christians they must leave, pay a tax for religious minorities, convert to Islam or they would be killed. As a result many Christians fled, and many are still displaced.
Iraq ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Under Saddam Hussein, evangelical Christians were persecuted by the secret police. Later, Christians became a target for Islamist militant groups.
In late-2008, thousands of Christians fled Mosul after a series of killings and attacks on their community in the September and October. A further spate of violent attacks against Mosul Christians early in 2010 was interpreted as an attempt to dissuade them from voting in parliamentary elections. Continue Reading
Jordan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Tribal Antagonism
Religious freedom has not improved in Jordan, where the number of Christians has been declining for half a century.
Kazakhstan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia/Islamic Extremism
The succession of president Nazarbayev is an important topic in Kazakh politics. The relations with Russia, Europe and the rest of the world are complicated by the huge Russian minority in the country. A growing problem is the activities of Islamic jihadists abroad who one day may return to Kazakhstan. All four types of Christianity are affected by persecution in Kazakhstan, but Christian converts from Islam and non-traditional Protestant groups are targeted most.
Kenya ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Kenya has seen the most dramatic shift in persecution on the World Watch List this year – rising from 43 last year to 19. The reason for this jump is a significant rise in Islamic extremism, especially in Nairobi, Northeast, and Coastal regions. Throughout the majority of the country, Christians also experienced intensified pressure in all areas of life.
Kenya ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Kenya has long been a hub for Christian mission, theological education and church ministry. Almost half the population identify themselves as evangelical. The north-west and coastal areas have been Muslim for centuries. But tensions between Christians and Muslims are rising and outbreaks of violence are increasingly common. Continue Reading
Kuwait ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia/Islamic Extremism
Islamic extremism is expressed mostly in the private and family areas of life. Restrictions from the government can mostly be explained by Dictatorial paranoia as the country’s ruler does not want any organized group to threaten his authority. Under the guise of implementing the laws of blasphemy, apostasy and proselytizing, government officials harass and abuse Christians. Continue Reading
Laos ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Tribal Antagonism
The practice of Animism is still strong in Laos, especially in rural areas. Tribal leaders and villagers who practice Animism see Christianity as a foreign element which may anger the spirits who protect the village. Refusal to follow rituals can lead to corporal punishment or being banned from the village.
Libya ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The situation for Christians in Libya has deteriorated even in the last year, and we have seen the recent executions by Islamic State of Christians from neighbouring countries. Christian converts from a Muslim background face pressure and risk from their families, even facing beatings by family members.
Libya ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Conversion to Christianity has been forbidden in Libya and there are few native Libyan believers.
Almost all Christians are foreign workers and the Government strictly monitors their meetings. Open evangelism is not possible and any Christian literature has to be smuggled into the country.
Gaddafi had publicly dismissed the Bible as a ‘forgery’ and declared that Christianity is ‘not a faith for people in Africa’. The country’s new interim constitution protects religious freedom and the transitional Government has spoken of the need to uphold religious freedom. Continue Reading
Malaysia ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Dictatorial Paranoia
On countless occasions, the ruling Prime Minister Najib Razak has publicly announced that Islam will always supersede politics, that the people should protect Islam, that pluralism, liberalism and other ‘-isms’ are against Islam and that human rights must have limits as they should fall “within the boundaries of Islam”.
Maldives ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The Maldives is run by a government who sees itself as the protector of Islam, governing with laws that basically prohibit a Maldivian to convert to any religion other than Islam. The consequences of doing so includes losing citizenship. To be Maldivian is equated with being Muslim, so officially there are no Maldivian Christians, only ex-pat Christians. In February 2014, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs revealed key objectives to include blocking all religions except Islam and ensuring that all laws and regulations adhere to Islamic principles.
Mali ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
After the French military intervention in January 2013, the threat of radical Islamic groups has been averted, at least temporarily, but in the North there is still no normal church life possible.
Mauritania ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Mauritania has apostasy laws which are directed against the activities of non-Muslims and its cultural norms that strongly dissuade people from associating with non-Muslims. Mauritania is one of only four official “Islamic Republics” in the world, and its constitution recognizes Islam as the sole religion of the country, and designates Sharia (Islamic law) as the only officially recognized source of legislation. Moreover, the influence of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Mauritania is growing. The group is gaining support among local Mauritanians and is also attempting to monitor Christian activity in the country.
Mexico ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Organized Corruption
There has been a progression of organized crime and more violent incidents targeting Christians.
Criminal organizations and drug cartels have targeted Christians because they view churches as revenue centers (extortions) and because churches support programs for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics.
Nigeria ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The situation for Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern provinces, has deteriorated since last year. The Islamic militant group Boko Haram, along with the rise of radical Islam in Northern Nigeria, has seen many violent acts of persecution, including the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls, which received substantial media coverage.
Nigeria ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
In central and northern Nigeria, Christians face the dual threat of Islamist extremists Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
In 2011 alone, more than 500 Christians were killed in central and northern Nigeria, 400 Christian houses were burned and more than 4,000 Christian businesses attacked or looted, according to Release partner Stefanos Foundation. Continue Reading
North Korea ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia
For the thirteenth year in a row, North Korea sits atop the Open Doors World Watch List as the hardest place to be a Christian.
Kim Jong Un still has a lot of power. He demands God-like worship, and his rule includes the Worker’s Party, the Army, Administration and all strands of society. No one is allowed or able to challenge or question this rule, meaning that there is no room for any other religion.
North Korea ~ Release Int. Country Profile
PERSECUTION
Citizens are obliged by law to display portraits of the late Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in their homes. Having a religious faith is highly subversive. Anyone refusing to accept the Korean leader as the supreme authority is likely to be punished.
The precise number of Christians in North Korea is unknown. Before the Communists came to power, numbers were higher than today but, during the Korean War (1950-53), many fled to South Korea or were martyred. Continue Reading
Oman ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Located at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, Oman is one of the few countries with Islam as the state religion, but not criminalizing conversion from Islam to other religions.
As Islam is the state religion, legislation is based on Islamic laws. All public school curriculums include instruction in Islam. Apostasy is not a criminal offense, but it is not respected by the legal system either, which assumes that all citizens are Muslims.
Pakistan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Pakistan’s Christians are caught in the crossfire between Islamic militant organizations and violent mobs that routinely target Christians, and an Islamizing culture that results in Christians being isolated from the rest of the population. Many Christians who can afford to leave the country are leaving. Continue Reading
Pakistan ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws – especially the notorious Section 295C of the Penal Code – are often used against religious minorities to settle personal scores. So the number of Christians charged is disproportionately high.
The death sentence has been given for Blasphemy a number of times but this has never actually resulted in execution. People sentenced to death tend to be acquitted shortly before their sentence is carried out Continue Reading
Palestinian Territories ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
There is increased pressure on the Christian community in the Palestinian Territories, especially in Gaza, with the number of Christians diminishing and the influence of radical Islam growing.
There is noticeably more pressure in Gaza than in the West Bank because of the presence of active Islamic fanatical movements. Partly as a result of their influence, Hamas takes Islamising measures from time to time.
Qatar ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
In Qatar, the state religion is strictly conservative Wahhabi Islam, restricting Christians to worship in private houses or designated places.
Proselytizing is outlawed and criticism of Islam is punished. Conversion from Islam to another religion constitutes apostasy, an offense which carries a capital punishment. Family law is controlled by Sharia law.
Somalia ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Tribal Antagonism
Persecution for Christians is severe in Somalia. With no functioning government, Christians are targeted by Islamic terrorists and clan authorities. However, as the government gains more control, state actors are joining to persecute Christians.
Sri Lanka ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Religious Nationalism
Officially, as a socialist democratic republic, Sri Lanka is a secular state. However, its Constitution puts Buddhism first and evidently fosters Buddhism as state religion. This condition strengthens the Buddhist radicals’ power over religious minorities in the country such as the Christians.
Sri Lanka ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
After a lull from late-2008 to early-2009, there has been a noticeable surge in anti-Christian violence, particularly since 2012.
Churches have been damaged or demolished, and pastors and members of their congregations assaulted, sometimes seriously. Threats and intimidation are rife, forcing some Christians to leave their homes. Continue Reading
Sudan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Dictatorial paranoia.
Islam is very well rooted in the Sudanese society. The overwhelming majority of the population in Sudan is Sunni Muslim, and Sharia law is the foundation of Sudan’s legal system.
Syria ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Syria is now entering into its 5th year of civil war. Despite moving down in rank from the 2014 World Watch List, persecution has increased in Syria. This is largely due to the rise in influence of radical Islamic groups, especially with the increased persecution from the militant group Islamic State.
Tajikistan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia/Islamic Extremism
Tajikistan is the only Central Asian country with a Persian national language; culturally Tajikistan has more affinity with Iran and Afghanistan than the other countries in Central Asia because these are all Turkic speaking countries. Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in the region. Tajikistan relies heavily on remittances – up to twenty% of the whole population is estimated to work in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Tanzania ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Organized Coppuption/Tribal Antagonism
Zanzibar, the island of Tanzania, has become the epicenter of Islamic radicalism in the country. A radical Islamic separatist group called Uamsho (a Swahili acronym for the Association for Islamic Mobilization and Propagation, meaning Islamic Reawakening or Revolution) uses Zanzibar as a springboard to further its radical Islamic agenda in Tanzania.
Tunisia ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
The very promising revolution in 2011, which started off the revolutionary wave in other countries, turned out to be a disappointment for both liberals and Christians in Tunisia. While expatriate Christians experience a relative amount of freedom within the church walls, Christian converts from a Muslim background (MBBs) face a variety of pressures.
Turkey ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Religious Nationalism
A very remarkable feature in Turkey is the high level of nationalism. The general opinion is that a Turk is born a Muslim. Turkey lies on two continents: Europe and Asia. The country has many connections to both the western world but also to the Middle East. Turkey sees itself as the leading nation of the Turkic world (Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), and wants to play a prominent role on the diplomatic scene in the Arab world.
Turkmenistan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Dictatorial Paranoia
Under the regime of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, Turkmenistan is considered to be one of the most restrictive countries in the world. With a system of restricted religious freedom and almost total state control, Christian persecution remains severe, with constant surveillance and many meetings raided. Any meetings, youth work, or training have to be done in secret.
United Arab Emirates ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism
Islam dominates private and public life as well as the political discourse of the Kingdom. Consequently, all citizens are defined as Muslims. In addition to Islamic extremism, Dictatorial paranoia is present in the country, as the Emir continues to rule without considering the will of the people.
Uzbekistan ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/ Dictatorial Paranoia
The regime of President Islam Karimov continues to restrict the freedom of religion. Christian converts from a Muslim background face many problems from their family, friends and community.
Vietnam ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Communist Oppression
Vietnam is one of the few remaining countries in the world following a communist ideology. Consequently, authorities still perceive Christianity as a foreign influence and see Christians as Western agents. Continue Reading
Vietnam ~ Release Int. Country Profile
Persecution
The Vietnamese authorities reserve some of their worst venom for the country’s ethnic groups. Two-thirds of Vietnamese Protestants are members of an ethnic minority.
The Montagnard hill tribes in the Central Highlands are reportedly harassed and persecuted on a regular basis because of their faith. Continue Reading
Yemen ~ Open Doors Country Profiles
Main Source of Persecution: Islamic Extremism/Tribal Antagonism
In Yemen, Islam is the state religion and Sharia law is in place. Foreigners have some religious freedom but evangelizing is prohibited, as is converting from Islam.