Press Releases

New UN day commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

The UN International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is intended to provide a focus to address the ever-growing issue of violence based on religion or belief.

Healed from deafness, rescued from drowning – Indian Christians empowered by God’s miracles

Persecution of Christians in India forces believers to choose between their faith and their family.

Kashmir’s Christians fear increased persecution as the region loses special status

The newly revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution had given special status to the Muslim-majority region allowing it to have a separate constitution, a state flag and autonomy over the internal administration of the state.Kashmiri Christians, many of whom are from a Muslim background, often face pressure from their local communities. They are now concerned that persecution will increase under an increasing Hindu nationalist agenda as power dynamics in the region shift.

New type of atrocity marks 10 years of Boko Haram violence

Boko Haram have rained down terror on northern Nigeria for ten years. Despite Nigerian officials repeatedly claiming victory over Boko Haram, the group has fractured and split and has taken their violence into Cameroon, Niger and Chad too. According to the BBC, the conflict has been responsible for over 30,000 deaths with millions more displaced from their homes.

Miracles in India - embracing a new faith through healing

Raman*, 29, grew up in a Hindu family, where his grandfather, a Hindu priest, would sacrifice animals for gods and perform curses for a fee. His mother also made money using black magic. At the age of nine, Raman started to become sick. His sickness made him weak and he would frequently collapse: “At that time, I was determined that there was no god, because I was asking, ‘Why do I have to suffer like this?’”

Muslims save 20 Christians from al-Shabaab attack

The foiled attack took place in Mandera County, in the northeast corner of Kenya. This area borders Somalia and is Muslim majority. According to an Open Doors worker this was a “show of solidarity from locals”.

Attacked Iranian Christian arrested, while her attacker goes free

Iranian Christian Fatemeh Mohammadi, 20, was assaulted while travelling on a bus by another passenger who accused her of not wearing her headscarf properly. Iranian police arrested Fatemeh when she went to the police station to file a complaint against the woman

President Trump meets persecuted Christian, Esther from Nigeria

CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, Henrietta Blyth said, “It is vital that world leaders like President Trump champion freedom of religion and belief. This week President Trump heard stories of the persecution of Christians from North Korea, Nigeria and Myanmar as well the plight of the Rohingya, Yezidi and many more. Hearing these stories is not enough, policy and action must follow.

Open Doors urges New Prime Minister to deliver on support for persecuted Christians

Following the new Prime Minister’s July 8th tweet pledging support for those facing persecution Open Doors UK and Ireland CEO Henrietta Blyth said: “I am delighted that Boris Johnson said that he would ‘prioritise protecting religious freedoms’ as Prime Minister and that he ‘would stand up for those facing persecution’. I look forward to seeing quick action to deliver greater protection for religious minorities.”

Eritrean authorities close ALL Christian run hospitals and health centers

In June, Open Doors reported that the Eritrean government was closing Christian run health centres. Now the charity has heard that the all Catholic hospitals and health centres have been shut in Eritrea. Eritrean police closed the country’s last open Christian run health facility in Zager about 30 km from Asmara, on Friday 5 July.

Violent extremism against Christians increasing across the Sahel belt

There are many causes for the violence and instability including the toxic mix of poverty, unemployment, corruption and lack of governance. For Christians, increasing Islamic extremism is the factor wreaking the most havoc. The region is becoming a major new hotspot for Islamic militant groups that are partially home-grown and also part of international terror franchises like IS and Al-Qaeda.

Nepal: Church demolished, hospital attacked, Christians fearful

Nepal’s Christians are facing increased persecution by Hindu radical groups who want to turn Nepal into a Hindu state again. These radical groups have close ties with Hindutva groups in neighbouring India. In addition, the Nepalese Government is limiting freedom of religion and in 2017 it adopted new anti-conversion laws.

Christians branded as 'anti-Indian' amid increased violence and hostility against the minority group

“In the past, India was known as a country of diversity. But today’s leaders don’t want diversity. They want uniformity and they want it by force,” said Maruc*, a church leader in India and an Open Doors partner. We all know that we are moving towards the goal of unifying India under one religion.

Violent attacks on Christians increasing in India

Abishek* is considered a threat to India because he is a Christian. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the militant Hindu nationalist group linked with the ruling BJP, have stated that they want to see India free of Christians and Muslims by the end of 2021. Increasingly, Indians see Christianity as unpatriotic therefore violent attacks against Christians are increasing.

Increased surveillance of North Koreans says Open Doors researcher

An Open Doors researcher who wished to remain anonymous for their safety said: “We can confirm that there is intense surveillance in both North Korea and North East China. It seems that the North Korean and Chinese governments are working closely together.”

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