The World Watch List is an annual report released by Open Doors USA, an organization that serves persecuted Christians in over 60 countries. The report ranks the top 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The aim of the report is to raise awareness about the plight of Christians around the world and to advocate for their rights and freedoms.
What is Christian Persecution?
Christian persecution is the systematic mistreatment, harassment, and discrimination of Christians because of their faith. This can take many forms, including violence, imprisonment, forced conversion, property confiscation, and social exclusion. Christians are targeted for their beliefs, and they face persecution simply for practicing their religion.
The Top 10 Countries on the World Watch List
The top 10 countries on the World Watch List for 2021 are North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India. These countries are ranked based on a variety of factors, including government restrictions, social hostilities, and violence against Christians.
North Korea
North Korea is the most dangerous country in the world for Christians. The government is fiercely atheistic and views Christianity as a threat to its authority. Christians are forced to worship in secret, and those who are caught face imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a Muslim-majority country where Christians face extreme persecution. The government is weak, and Islamic extremist groups are gaining power. Christians are often targeted for their faith and face violence and discrimination.
Somalia
Somalia is a country where Christians face persecution from both the government and Islamic extremist groups. Christians are often targeted for their faith and face violence, imprisonment, and even death.
Libya
Libya is a Muslim-majority country where Christians face persecution from both the government and Islamic extremist groups. Christians are often targeted for their faith and face violence, imprisonment, and even death.
Pakistan
Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country where Christians face discrimination and violence. Christians are often accused of blasphemy, and the blasphemy laws are used to target them. Christians also face social exclusion and economic marginalization.
Eritrea
Eritrea is a country where Christians face extreme persecution from the government. The government is authoritarian and views Christianity as a threat to its authority. Christians are often imprisoned, and many are held in inhumane conditions.
Yemen
Yemen is a Muslim-majority country where Christians face discrimination and violence. Christians are often targeted for their faith and face imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Iran
Iran is a Muslim-majority country where Christians face discrimination and persecution. Christians are often accused of apostasy, and those who are caught face imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a country where Christians face persecution from Islamic extremist groups. Christians are often targeted for their faith and face violence, kidnapping, and even death.
India
India is a Hindu-majority country where Christians face discrimination and violence. Christians are often accused of forced conversions, and those who are caught face violence and imprisonment.
The Importance of the World Watch List
The World Watch List is an important tool for raising awareness about the persecution of Christians around the world. It provides a comprehensive overview of the countries where Christians face the most severe persecution, and it helps to focus attention on the plight of persecuted Christians. The report also provides information about how people can support persecuted Christians and advocate for their rights and freedoms.