North Korea tops the list for the 24th consecutive year. The situation in Syria has deteriorated significantly. It is the biggest climber in the list, having moved from 18th to 6th place. Horrific violence and impunity are commonplace in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Nigeria is the epicentre of violence against Christians: 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith were from this African country. 29,426 churches, homes and shops were attacked or set on fire. In addition to violence, isolation is an effective way to silence Christians. One in seven Christians worldwide – 388 million people – live in a context of severe to extreme persecution.
These are some of the disturbing conclusions of the large-scale global research that forms the basis of Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List.
“One in seven Christians worldwide – 388 million people – live in a context of severe to extreme persecution.”
Syria rises dramatically
For the first time since 2017, Syria is back in the top 10 of the World Watch List. After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the takeover by HTS, many people – especially minorities in the country – lived between hope and fear.
The attack on a church in Damascus in June, in which 22 Christians were killed, dashed hopes for inclusivity and security. The Islamisation of society, intimidation, aggressive calls for conversion, and incidents of extortion through the jizya tax further limit the religious minorities.
The Middle East, the cradle of Christianity, is witnessing a severe decline in its Christian population in Syria and other countries. Before the war began in 2011, it is estimated that there were 1.8 million Christians in Syria; today, that number has fallen to just 300,000. Similar exoduses are underway in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Egypt.
Increase in violence in Sub-Saharan Africa
The region is the epicentre of violence against Christians. Fourteen countries in this region feature in the ranking, three of which have the maximum score for violence: Nigeria, Sudan and Mali. Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith, 4,490 of these murders took place in Sub-Saharan Africa. While not all violence is religiously motivated, religion does play a major role. This is evident in the widespread jihadist violence throughout the region. Militant Fulani, Boko Haram, ISWAP, ADF and other jihadist organisations are targeting Christian communities.
Nigeria tops the list with 3,490 fatalities. While the conflict in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, this should not distract from its religious component. During an attack, survivors heard Fulani militants shout, ‘We will destroy all Christians’.
The continent is rife with instability. Armed conflicts are raging in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, the Central African Republic and Mozambique. Christians are particularly vulnerable in this context, either because they are directly attacked or because they are caught between warring parties.
Other countries in the region follow a similar pattern: weak governments allow power vacuums to arise at a regional level, which are then filled by Islamic militants. These governments are either unable to provide security for all their inhabitants or turn a blind eye to the violence, or even encourage it. In parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Niger and Mozambique, these jihadist groups can commit atrocities virtually unopposed.
Growing government pressure leads to self-censorship
In addition to highly visible violence, persecution in other countries takes on a different form: pressure, control and regulation force the church underground and isolate Christians.
The pressure and control can also lead to self-censorship: any form of public profession of faith – both offline and online – is avoided for fear of the consequences. This applies to countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania and China – which takes the crown when it comes to digital control. The Communist Party demands loyalty even in the pulpit and in preaching.
Signs of hope
Over the past year, violence against Christians in Bangladesh has fallen by 20%. The country experienced considerable political unrest in 2024. Violent protests lasted for weeks and the Christian minority was particularly badly affected. Extremist groups exploited the chaos to attack Christians.
Following the unrest, which resulted in the prime minister’s resignation, the interim government’s leader made public statements emphasising the importance of religious freedom. It remains to be seen whether these sentiments will be upheld in the elections scheduled for February 2026. These elections may reveal a growing Islamic influence and possibly lead to further persecution of Christians.
Increased attention has been given to the vulnerability of Christians in Latin America. In Mexico and Colombia, religious leaders are increasingly recognised as being at risk in areas where organised crime and armed groups are active. Internationally, concerns about religious freedom in Nicaragua and Cuba are also being addressed.
Urgent support and prayer needed
Marc de Graaf, director of Open Doors, said: “The World Watch List paints a shocking picture every year. It is a picture of violence, pressure and control, and of an ever-growing group of Christians who are confronted with this reality. This year, the number of persecuted Christians has increased by eight million.”
“Open Doors continues to put Christian persecution on the agenda. Politicians, governments and the global church must not look away but must take action against this injustice. Christian communities in many countries are under pressure and are in danger of disappearing. They desperately need our support and prayers.”
