The persecution of Christians around the world is “more extreme than ever before”, charity Open Doors highlighted, before publishing its 2016 World Watch List on 13 January.
The list, which highlights the 50 countries in the world where persecution is most severe, was discussed in the House of Commons at a launch event on Wednesday.
Open Doors seeks to support persecuted Christians worldwide through various means, including advocacy, providing Bibles and other Christians materials, and offering training and livelihood skills.
In light of this year’s list, Chief Executive of Christian Concern Andrea Williams has said that the government must carefully consider the impact of its foreign aid programmes.
Increased persecution 'in every region'
In many countries, Christians face discrimination, imprisonment, violence and even death for their faith.
"The persecution of Christians is getting worse, in every region in which we work – and it's getting worse fast," said Open Door’s CEO Lisa Pearce.
The World Watch List works on a ‘points-based’ system. The higher the number, the greater the chance the country's inhabitants will face hardships because of their faith.
The list measures persecution in five key areas – private life, family life, community life, national life and church life. It also covers acts of violence including killings, rapes and the burning of churches.
North Korea remains at the top of the list with the worst persecution, as an estimated 70,000 Christians are imprisoned in brutal labour camps.
Iraq is now the second most dangerous place to be a Christian, replacing Somalia as a result of the rise of terror at the hands of ISIS.
‘Syria and Iraq are the tip of the iceberg’
Persecution is growing most rapidly in Africa, the charity reported.
Eritrea, listed third, is “nicknamed the ‘North Korea of Africa’ due to high levels of dictatorial paranoia.
"Syria and Iraq are the tip of the iceberg. More people are killed for their faith in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world."
'We will not get these days back'
The charity went on to say that the UK government must do its part to help protect Christians, if it wants to see a change.
"The trend is stark, as are the consequences for real people – we should not expect that to change unless we are part of changing the situation," said Mrs Pearce.
"As a key voice within the international community and a generous provider of aid to a number of the countries on the 2016 World Watch List, I urge our government to do everything possible within their spheres of influence to affect what happens next. We will not get these days back."
Impact of foreign aid
Last August, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali spoke to BBC Radio 4 about the use of foreign aid in countries where Christians are persecuted.
"I think we have to make sure that aid is properly targeted, that it is not tied, for example, to British commercial interests and certainly not to aid in corruption,” he said.
"But where religious freedom in particular is concerned, I think Britain should be aware of the human rights situation."
He goes on to say that foreign aid can indirectly perpetuate persecution against Christians.
"It is right, for example, for Britain to give educational assistance to Pakistan… but we have to be sure that this aid will not be used, for example, to further propagate the teaching of hate in textbooks," he explained.
Listen to the Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali's full interview:
A motion for MPs to recognise the Watch List and offer support has been signed by 17 signatories from various parties.
'Careful consideration' needed
Andrea Williams commented:
"In light of the 2016 Watch List, we call on the government to give careful consideration to how foreign aid is being distributed and spent, so that we can help, not hinder, efforts to protect Christians in these nations.
"Please continue to pray for the courageous work of Open Doors and the protection of Christians worldwide."
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Related Coverage:
World Watch: New World Watch List shows growth in Global persecution (Open Doors)