As religious persecution continues to escalate across the globe, the protection of religious freedom and freedom of speech has never been more critical. These fundamental rights form the foundation of human dignity and peaceful coexistence. Today we share a fabulous article by Cristina Cevallos that gives greater understanding regarding Religious Freedom and religious persecution around the globe.
Also, we are pleased to share that on October 24, during the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary celebration, Kristen Hackett, United Families International’s Educational Outreach Director, delivered a powerful statement on the issue of diminishing freedoms in communications at the UN. Speaking at a side event titled “The UN at 80: Human Dignity at the Centre of Multilateral Cooperation”— sponsored by the member states of Burundi and Djibouti and organized by United Families International and other coalition partners — Kristen highlighted the diminishing inclusion of all perspectives at the UN, especially those upholding traditional values on family and life.
Kristen’s message serves as a compelling reminder that defending religious freedom and free expression must remain a global priority. The full event can be viewed here on UN Web TV (If you only want to hear Kristen’s message, fast forward to timestamp 1:01:28.)
Toward a world that values religious freedom,
Wendy Wixom, President
United Families International
Persecuted for Their Faith: The Struggle of Christians Around the World
Cristina Cevallos
Christianity is currently the most persecuted religion in the world. Attacks target Christian homes, businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, and cemeteries every day. Religious services are interrupted, leaders are arrested, and in many cases, even believers are killed. The numbers are alarming: one in seven Christians worldwide faces persecution.
Episodes of persecution take many forms worldwide, but Open Doors’ World Watch List highlights the urgent need to focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Countries such as Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, Iran, and Kazakhstan are of particular concern, with Yemen, Somalia, and North Korea ranking among the top three most dangerous for Christians.
The Threat of Extremist Islam
Although attacks are also reported in countries such as India, where Christian communities are increasingly under assault from Hindu nationalist groups, and China, where the government’s “Sinicization” policy seeks to bring all religions under strict state control, the greatest threat to Christians in many regions comes from extremist Muslim groups linked to the Islamic State. Their aim is to Islamize the world, believing they are fulfilling their scriptures through what they consider a “holy war” (jihad) against non-believers.
In many countries there is even what can be described as “legal persecution” through anti-conversion laws. These generally state that no person should convert or attempt to convert another, either directly or indirectly, from one religion to another. In practice, however, they are often used to make false accusations of coercion against Christians. In Yemen, for example, leaving Islam is illegal and punishable by death.
Similarly, in Pakistan, the country’s strict blasphemy laws are frequently used to target religious minorities. The U.S. Department of State’s Reports on International Religious Freedom highlights multiple cases in which Christians have been falsely accused of blasphemy, leading to imprisonment and mob violence. Beyond legal pressures, many also face social and economic discrimination, which makes it difficult for them to secure jobs or housing.
In Turkey, for instance, Christians are labeled as a “threat to public order and security,” accused of “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” or even of “membership in groups opposing the state.” In Sudan, where Christians comprise about 4 percent of the population, government authorities control the distribution of NGO-provided food aid, often denying access to minority groups. Christians are pressured to convert to Islam under threats such as: “Unless you abandon your Christianity, there will be no food for you.”
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christians have also been martyred in horrific attacks by Islamic forces. In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stormed a church and brutally beheaded 70 believers. Days later another 15 Christians were killed during Mass in Burkina Faso.
Violence and Persecution in Nigeria
Last year, Nigeria accounted for the highest number of such killings, representing 69% of the total. It is estimated that at least 850 Christians remain in captivity in jihadist camps, where they are subjected to torture and forced labor. Many are expected to be killed if their families cannot raise ransom money. They have nowhere to turn, as Nigeria’s own Army and Police have been accused of kidnappings, killings, and enforced disappearances of religious leaders. In addition, reports indicate that Christian children are being abducted and sent to Islamic orphanages, where they undergo forced conversion to Islam.
Many of the attacks are concentrated around religious holidays. On Christmas Eve 2024, several Christian communities were assaulted by Fulani militants as worshippers were leaving their church services, leaving 11 people dead.
Similarly, on the night before Easter Sunday in 2012, while Juliana was helping her husband hide, Boko Haram militants set fire to the neighboring church and pounded on the gate of their home. “You Christians say God has a son,” they shouted. “Call on that son!”
When they finally found him, the militants dragged her husband into the courtyard and ordered him to renounce Christ. They forced him to lie on the ground and shot him four times. Before leaving, they ransacked and burned the house. Juliana pulled her dying husband into her lap and prayed; he managed to whisper a final “amen” at the end of her prayer before passing away. Their eight children sat beside their father’s body, weeping.
Boko Haram attacked her town as part of their campaign to establish an Islamic government across northern Nigeria. After her husband’s death, Juliana and her children carried his body to his hometown for burial, but his relatives rejected them. Left homeless, they survived only because her mother managed to construct a small shelter. Within months, however, Boko Haram struck again, burning down their rebuilt home.
This time, the family fled the area and found refuge in a camp for about a year until they were referred to a NGO training center for widows and orphans. Now, every morning, Juliana and her children gather for devotions, giving thanks to God for the support they have received.
Standing With the Persecuted
Freedom of religion and belief are often referred to as “the first freedom.” U.S. founding father, James Madison, stated: “Conscience is the most sacred of property.” A person’s religious beliefs are sacred and central to human dignity. We begin to protect religious freedom by being accepting of other faiths, giving all people the respect to practice their beliefs – while not compromising on our own. Then we teach our children to value religion and respect the beliefs of others.
Although it may feel like we are too far away to make a difference, we cannot remain passive. Religious persecution is increasing, even in Western countries, and every threat we ignore allows it to gain strength. There is always something we can do, starting with keeping these situations in our daily prayers and devotions. We can raise awareness, engage communities and our churches, learn the names and stories of those who are fighting, surviving, or have given their lives for their religion.
We can also take action by contacting political leaders to urge the promotion of religious freedom, and by supporting organizations that provide aid and advocacy for persecuted Christians.
The freedom to live according to one’s beliefs, in the face of differences, is the cornerstone of thriving and prosperous societies. We all have a role to play.
(Go here to see a list of things you can do to promote religious freedom.)
Cristina is a Peruvian Law professional. She is passionate about issues related to cultural heritage and the defense of traditional values, especially the sanctity of life and religious freedom. She has been part of different volunteer and entrepreneurship programs internationally and loves doing projects with children, going to the beach, and learning about art history. Her goal is to travel the world helping people to find true happiness.