Watchdog highlights nations where Christians face persecution around the globe

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Alex NitzbergJanuary 14, 2026 at 07:53 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Open Doors' World Watch List 2026 highlights countries where Christians face significant persecution for their faith. The report identifies 50 nations where Christians experience oppression, including North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen. In North Korea, practicing Christianity can lead to execution or imprisonment in labor camps. Somalia presents dangers from authorities, clans, and extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, where converting from Islam to Christianity is illegal and can result in violence or death. In Yemen, Christian converts from Islam must practice their faith in secrecy to avoid a potential death sentence, with Western airstrikes being used to fuel anti-Christian sentiment. The report illustrates the risks through personal stories, such as that of Aweis in Somalia, who faced death threats from his own father for his conversion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Middle East 40% Horn of Africa 40% United States ×250% Houthis 50% Kim Jong Un 60% Al-Shabaab 70% Yemen 70% North Korea ×280% Somalia ×480% Open Doors ×790%

Keywords

christian persecution 100% open doors 80% north korea 70% religious freedom 70% world watch list 70% somalia 70% yemen 60% anti-christian 60% religious minorities 50%