10 most dangerous countries for Christians in 2016

For several years, the international charitable human rights organization "Open Doors" annually publishes a list of "World Watch List", containing a list of countries in which the persecuted and violate the rights of Christians often. According to the organization, more than 100 million people today suffer in many countries due to the fact that they profess the Christian faith. We talk about 10 countries where Christians account for the worst.

10. Libya

More or less freely only foreigners and migrant workers can attend church in Libya. Local residents, converts from Islam are forced to hide this fact, otherwise, they risk their lives. Preach Christianity in the country is prohibited to import text of the Bible into the country is also prohibited. Frequent incidents of violence against the Christian minority are usually held with the connivance of local authorities.

9. Iran

Christianity in Iran profess about 169 thousand people, which is about 0, 5% of the total population. Despite the fact that in Iran in regard to religion are much more liberal laws than in other Middle Eastern countries, the local Christian population often suffers from all kinds of oppression. Church is under the constant control of the government, they often pass inspection.

8. Sudan

The first list of countries that violate religious rights was published in 1999. Sudan was already in the list, and since then has never left it. The country conversion from Islam to another religion is punishable by death. And the killing of Christians by Muslims authorities simply turn a blind eye. Many Christians, accused of disseminating their faith were arrested. Those who are more fortunate, simply deported. Others were tortured and often sentenced to death for refusing to renounce their faith.

7. Somalia

Sweat to reports of international organizations every year the pressure on Christians in the country increases. Muslim leaders and government officials say publicly and that there is no place for Christians in Somalia. Many charities are prohibited in the country as authorities describe them as the "Western spies and Christian crusaders." In contrast to the official authorities, radical groups are much tougher, many of them put their goals to destroy all the local Christians and their communities.

6. Pakistan

The Constitution of Pakistan directly and unequivocally establishes Islam as the state religion, but nominally guarantees citizens the right to freedom of religion. Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan is empowered to cancel any law in the country, if that is contrary to Islam. Christina in Pakistan just over 1% of the total population and often with them in the country are treated as second-class citizens. A few Christian churches and temples are fully controlled by the authorities and are often targeted for attack.

5. Syria

Christians in Syria, about 20% of the population. At least there was so much to the outbreak of civil war in 2011. Since exact calculations more difficult. Then different data during this time managed to flee from the country to 700 thousand Christians. How many of those who remained in the country and subjected to harassment, to say practically impossible. But recently, kidnappings and murders of Christians are quite frequent.

4. Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Christianity is traditionally perceived as a "Western religion". The number of Christians in the country is negligible and less than 1% of the total population of the country. People who maintain their faith, are forced to keep it a secret, at the risk that they may retract from home, and with general publicity at all possible a much more serious consequences. There are no churches, all Christian communities are secret. Even working in the country by foreigners, Christians, can not feel safe there. For example, in 2014, several members of an international organization were killed in Afghanistan, "Christian Aid".

3. Eritrea

Eritrea - a country on the Red Sea coast, which was formed only in 1993, gained independence from Ethiopia. Unlike Afghanistan, for example, where extremely small proportion Christians, Eritrea about half the population are Christians of various denominations. In 2002, the government required the registration of religious groups and under the pretext of registration outlaw all religions, except the four main - Islam, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Evangelical Church of Eritrea and the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, the state actively intervenes in the affairs of the spiritual in an attempt to take full control of all the religious institutions of the country. In August 2005, the role of the Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church has become a purely ceremonial, and ecclesiastical affairs management was transferred to the State of destination layman. A year later, the patriarch was deposed by the Holy Synod of Eritrea allegedly under pressure from the government and sent to house arrest.

2. Iraq

According to a 2005 Iraqi Constitution, the Christians have equal rights with Muslims and enjoy the freedom to carry out their religious needs. But at the same time in the Iraqi Constitution contains statements prohibiting adopt laws that contradict the Sharia. At present, Christians of all denominations account for about 3% of the population of Iraq. Since 2003 their number has decreased by several times due to frequent attacks by insurgents and religious extremists.

1. North Korea

The list of North Korea headed for 14 years in a row and as long as there is no reason to assume that the situation of Christians in the country somehow improve in the future. Kim Jong-un continues to consolidate all power in the country in their own hands, believing that citizens should worship only him and his predecessors, and not by the gods there. Official North Korean authorities, in principle, a negative attitude to all religions, and Christianity and does is seen as something hostile to the West and from the ideological point of view. The few faithful Christians in North Korea are forced to meet in secret only and do not dare to share their faith, even with family members, fearing arrests and labor camps. According to observers, in prison camps in North Korea is up to 70,000 Christians. Usually ships they impute attempt to overthrow the government through religious activities in order to achieve the maximum sentence, or even a public execution.