Open Doors World Watch List for 2024 has been released
Open Doors, founded by Brother Andrew and dedicated to serving persecuted Christians worldwide, has recently released its highly anticipated World Watch List for 2024. This year's report provides a sobering and eye-opening look at the state of Christian freedoms across the globe. The list ranks countries based on the severity of persecution faced by Christians, encompassing a range of factors such as violence, oppression, and discrimination. As we look into the list, it becomes evident that the plight of persecuted Christians remains a pressing concern in many regions. Open Doors' World Watch List 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges and threats jeopardizing religious freedoms worldwide, urging us to advocate, pray for and stand in solidarity with those facing persecution.
Matthew 5:10–12
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you
Below is a summary of the world watch list from Open Doors.
What would your Christian life look like if you lived somewhere else? Would you be imprisoned for your faith, followed by secret police, or kidnapped by extremists?
The World Watch List reveals the 50 most dangerous countries to be a Christian. Produced annually by expert analysts, the World Watch List is the most authoritative of its kind.
Discover the places where believers are forced to choose between faith and freedom.
The first World Watch List was produced in January 1993. Countries’ overall persecution scores are an amalgamation of six different scores. This year’s list covers the period 1 Oct 2022 – 30 Sept 2023.
Released at the beginning of each year, the list uses extensive research, data from Open Doors field workers, their in-country networks, external experts and persecution analysts to quantify and analyse persecution worldwide. Each edition is certified by the International Institute for Religious Freedom.
WHAT TYPES OF PERSECUTION DO CHRISTIANS FACE
Our experts use nine broad categories to measure the source of persecution:
Islamic Oppression – Any violent or non-violent action used to bring countries, communities, and households under Islamic control.
Religious Nationalism – Using the country’s majority religion to imply Christians do not qualify as citizens.
Clan Oppression – Instances where a clan or extended family ensures the ongoing practice of traditional values or belief systems by force.
Ethno-Religious Hostility – When one ethnic group subjects another to hostility based on their religion.
Christian Denominational Protectionism – Making one Christian denomination the only legitimate expression of Christianity in the country.
Communist and Post-Communist Oppression – To monitor and control Christians and churches through a system based on communist values.
Secular Intolerance – To eradicate Christian expression from public life and impose atheistic secularism.
Dictatorial Paranoia – Persecution derived from an authoritarian government which does everything to maintain power, including tearing down organised groups like Christians.
Organised Corruption & Crime – Gangs and criminal groups create a climate of anarchy and corruption for selfish gain. Christians will often speak out against them and become targets for persecution.
Matthew 10:16–18
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
The Top 10
North Korea
Somalia
Libya
Eritrea
Yemen
Migeria
Pakistan
Sudan
Iran
Afghanistan