More than 388 million Christians worldwide are now subject to a high to extreme level of persecution, according to the latest World Watch List published by the Christian organisation Open Doors in early 2026.
Open Doors, a global Christian charity that has documented religious persecution for more than three decades, says one in seven Christians worldwide faces high levels of persecution. In Africa, that figure rises to one in five, reflecting a sharp deterioration in security and religious freedom across large parts of the continent.
Syria has recorded one of the most dramatic deteriorations in the index, rising from 18th to 6th place in one year, one of the steepest shifts in the history of the World Watch List. Open Doors says hopes for improved conditions following the country’s political upheaval in December 2024 have not materialised. At least 27 Christians were killed for their faith during the reporting period, while intimidation, public calls for conversion, and demands for a poll tax have become part of daily life for many believers, forcing numerous Christians to withdraw from public life or leave the country altogether.
Despite the worsening situation for religious minorities, several European governments have signalled a willingness to engage with Syria’s new authorities, a position that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and religious freedom groups concerned about the treatment of Christians and other minorities.
Sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as the epicentre of global violence against Christians. The latest World Watch List shows that fourteen of the world’s fifty countries where verified deaths can be reasonably linked to victims’ Christian faith are located in the region.
Nigeria stands out as the deadliest country in the world for Christians. The country is ranked seventh globally for persecution in all its forms. According to Open Doors data covering the year up to the end of September 2025, 4,849 Christians were killed for their faith worldwide, 3,490 of them in Nigeria, accounting for 72 per cent of the total.
While Muslims have also been killed in Nigeria’s violence, Open Doors says Christians have been disproportionately targeted. In Benue State, 1,310 Christians were killed compared with 29 Muslims. In Plateau State, 546 Christians were killed compared with 48 Muslims. In Taraba State, 73 Christians were killed compared with 12 Muslims. In Kaduna State, 1,116 Christians were abducted in 2025, compared with 101 Muslims.
“Behind every number in the World Watch List are people who suffer because of their faith,” said Markus Rode, managing director of Open Doors Germany. “This ranking is a cry for help. The crucial question is: are churches, civil society, and politicians really listening – and are they taking action?”
Henrietta Blyth, chief executive of Open Doors UK, said the figures point to a clear religious dimension to the violence. “Those who witnessed their families being killed, and their homes razed to the ground by Islamist Fulani militants report being told by their attackers that ‘we will destroy all Christians,’” she said. “If we don’t recognise the clear religious element to the violence, it won’t be possible to properly address this tragic situation.”
Open Doors identifies a broader pattern across sub-Saharan Africa, arguing that Islamist militant groups are exploiting areas of weak law and order left by military juntas and prolonged civil conflicts. According to the organisation, this allows such groups to operate with impunity in parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Niger, and Mozambique, with the stated aim of establishing “Sharia states” under their interpretation of Islamic law.
