WORLD WATCH LIST REPORT 2019 - Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups - Open Doors
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WORLD WATCH LIST
REPORT 2019
Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates
the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups
Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 1
Contents Introduction
03 Introduction 19 Paying the price twice: age The World Watch List combines Open Doors’ field Furthermore, a deeper analysis of the World Watch
experience and on-the-ground intelligence with the List research indicates that religious identity often
04 Key findings 20 Countries of special concern year-round analysis of its research unit, providing exacerbates other marginalising factors such as
insights into the trends, scale and dynamics of the gender, ethnicity, age and class. From minority ethnic
05 The issue of our time 22 Signs of hope persecution of Christians around the world. communities such as the Christian Kachin people of
Myanmar, to the high number of Christian Dalits in
10 The temperature is rising 23 Open Doors advocacy The list presents the 50 countries where it is most India, Pakistan and Nepal, to the children of Christian
dangerous to live as a Christian. However, this year an families targeted and forced to become child soldiers
11 Paying the price twice: class 24 Hope for the Middle East unprecedented trend has begun to reveal itself. Of in Colombia – these people are paying the price
the 50 countries, as many as 40 are now designated twice.
13 Paying the price twice: gender 26 Methodology as places where Christians experience ‘very high’
or ‘extreme’ levels of persecution.1 In 2014, only 22 I began my role as CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland
14 Tackling trauma 27 Recommendations countries were designated in this way – a number on 11 July 2018. Coming from an international
that has almost doubled in just five years. In real development background, and having seen the great
16 Paying the price twice: ethnicity terms this means that approximately 245 million strides that have been made in development terms in
Christians are at risk of ‘high’, ‘very high’, or ‘extreme’ a range of countries over the past 20 years, it is with
levels of persecution in 2019. An increase from 215 great sadness that I have learnt about the escalating
million in 2018. violence aimed at Christians in many of these same
countries. I therefore ask all Parliamentarians and the
The right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is UK government to do what they can to make 2019
central to human experience – from what you wear, the year that this escalation is reversed. For instance,
Cover picture: On 19 February 2018, Boko Haram kidnapped more than to what you say publicly, to whom you associate it is crucial that Parliamentarians work to ensure that
100 girls from a secondary school in the town of Dapchi, southern Yobe with, to the environment in which your children are the government takes action on the forthcoming
State, in Nigeria. At the sound of gunshots, Leah Sharibu, pictured left, nurtured. But everywhere we look, violations of this recommendations of the independent review
ran towards the compound gate – not knowing that this was exactly right are wrapped up in some of the world’s greatest on whether the UK is doing all it can to support
where the Boko Haram fighters were waiting. Leah was bundled onto a challenges. From the rise of Daesh in the Middle East persecuted Christians worldwide.
truck and driven away. By 21 March 2018 all of the kidnapped girls had to Boko Haram in Nigeria, to the overspill of criminal
been returned – except for one. As the only Christian among them, Leah activity into community life in Latin America and Thank you for taking the time to read this report.
refused to convert to Islam, and it is this which has prevented her from the growing Hindu nationalist rhetoric of the Indian The situation for persecuted Christians around the
returning home. government affecting Muslims, Christians and Sikhs world is extremely difficult, but things can change.
alike. This has truly become the issue of our time. The small number of churches given permits in Egypt
This story represents the plight of many Christian women around the this year is a glimmer of hope for the thousands
world who are doubly vulnerable because of their gender as well as their FoRB intersects intimately with other key human of congregations waiting for permission from the
faith. Perpetrators of religious persecution strategically target girls like rights. When Christians have their right to FoRB government to worship together. We must stand
Leah, knowing that it traumatises lives and destabilises families and violated, their freedom of expression, their right to with them, and the millions of persecuted Christians
communities. Through partnerships with local churches, Open Doors association and nationality as well as their right to around the world who need change more than ever.
provides persecution survival training to families in Nigeria so as to build a fair trial are regularly violated too. And of course, Please read the recommendations on page 27 to see
resilience in this hostile environment. where Christians are under pressure, those from other how you can take action.
religious minorities, and those of no faith, are also
experiencing persecution. This is why it’s key that we Henrietta Blyth
campaign for the right to FoRB for all, as enshrined CEO Open Doors UK & Ireland
in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human January 2019
Rights.
This report was authored by Dr Matthew Rees on the basis of the research material produced by the
1 Open Doors’ World Watch Research unit designates a ‘high’ level of persecution as a country with a persecution score of 41-60/100; ‘very high’ accounts for countries with a persecution score of 61-
Open Doors International World Watch Research unit. 80/100, and ‘extreme’ persecution countries have a score of 81-100/100.
2 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 3
Key findings The issue of our time
The key findings in this report are: The key changes in this year’s FoRB is the issue of our time. Violations of that the violation of their right to FoRB, their other
World Watch List are: right are not found in isolation or on a small scale, key freedoms are regularly violated, too. These
•• Persecution continues to escalate. In 2019, instead they are wrapped up in some of the world’s include their freedom of expression, their right to
40 of the 50 World Watch List countries have •• For the first time since 2011, Russia enters the greatest challenges. From the rise of Daesh in association and nationality, as well as their right
been designated as countries where Christians World Watch List the Middle East to Boko Haram in Nigeria, to the to a fair trial. The case studies below are just some
are at risk of very high or extreme levels of overspill of criminal activity into community life in examples of how life for a Christian in a country in
persecution •• Morocco is back on the World Watch List, for Latin America and the growing Hindu nationalist the top 50 of the World Watch List is debilitating,
the first time since 2014, and is ranked at 35 rhetoric of the Indian government affecting insecure and unjust on a number of levels.
•• Approximately 245 million Christians living in Muslims, Christians and Sikhs alike – violations
the top 50 countries experience high levels of •• A considerable rise in persecution in Algeria against people’s international right to FoRB are all
persecution or worse means it has shot up the list from 42 to 22 too commonplace. Case study 1: National identity
The right to a nationality is a key human right. But
•• A range of vulnerabilities such as gender, •• Hope is to be found in Iraq as its violence score Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human national identity has always been a contentious
age, class and ethnicity are intersecting with improves. Iraq slips out of the top ten for the Rights affirms that FoRB is a right which individuals issue in India. With the country’s independence
religious identity to create a toxic cocktail of first time since 2010. may practise alone or together in community, both born out of a history of colonialism and nurtured by
widespread persecution in the World Watch List in private or in public. Article 18 defends activities the ongoing tensions of inter-communal violence,
top 50 countries such as religious teaching, practice, worship and the question of what makes one an Indian has been
observance.2 General comment 22 of the United key to the development of the nation.
•• Around the world a range of actors are finding Persecution continues to escalate worldwide: Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee crucially
ways to clamp down on religious identity and notes that FoRB includes the right to choose one’s In 1923, Indian political leader VD Savarkar wrote
public worship by suppressing the right to •• Approximately 245 million Christians are at religion as well as to change one’s religion.3 a publication entitled ‘Who is Hindu?’ The purpose
association, freedom of expression, and the risk of high, very high or extreme levels of of this work was to bring together Indians under
right to a fair trial, among other fundamental persecution Michael Horowitz (Senior Advisor for the Religious one nationality into one nation state, finding
human rights Action Center of Reform Judaism) has argued commonalities in Hindu identity. In the work,
•• Over 1,000 Christians in China have either that vulnerable Christians are like canaries in a Savarkar combines geographical unity, common
•• The situation in Asia continues to escalate, as been detained without trial or unfairly coal mine, serving as an early warning of ‘whether culture and racial features in his definition of
China climbs the World Watch List from 43 to arrested freedom exists not only for them – but for all others a Hindu. On this basis, Indic religions such as
27 and India enters the top ten for the first time in society’.4 Horowitz put his finger on just how key Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism are considered
in the history of the World Watch List •• 3,731 Christians have been killed in Nigeria those Article 18 rights are for everyone. Indeed, the ‘Hindutva’ because India is both their holy land and
for their faith. right to FoRB is central to human experience – from fatherland. However, Indian Christians and Muslims
•• 2018’s prediction that South East Asia was what you wear, to what you can say in public, to are considered to pose a threat to the unity of the
emerging as a hotbed of persecution is set to whom you associate with, to the environment in nation because their love and allegiance allegedly
be fulfilled in 2019 as the situation in Myanmar which your children are nurtured. When religious lie outside India.
and Indonesia worsens freedoms are under question or suppressed, we can
be sure that the voices and actions of others are Drawing on this work, an environment where
•• Once again, Nigeria saw the highest number also being undermined. non-Hindus are denied their full rights has been
of Christians killed for their faith, with carefully shaped by Hindu extremists in India over
approximately 3,731 killed in the reporting The case studies that follow highlight the way in the decades and is increasingly visible in India
period of this year’s World Watch List. which FoRB intimately intersects with other key today. For example, in 2017 former Bharatiya
human rights. Each case study shows how the Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson and now President
violation of FoRB is also leading to the widespread of India, Ram Nath Kovind, famously described
violation of other rights. When Christians face Christians and Muslims as ‘foreigners of the nation’.5
2 ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, OHCR, 1948. For a further discussion on FoRB see: ‘Article 18: From rhetoric to reality’, All Party Parliamentary Group on FoRB, November 2017, chapter 1.
3 ‘General comment No. 22: The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion ( Art. 18) CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4’, UN Human Rights Committee, United Nations, 30 July 1993.
4 Grim, B, Finke, R, ‘The price of freedom denied’, Cambridge University Press, 2011, p202.
5 Matthew, L, ‘Ram Nath Kovind had opposed SC status for Dalit Christians, Muslims’, Indian Express, 20 June 2017.
4 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 5
On the victory of the BJP-led alliance in the 2014 can legitimately question the rights Christians against Christian leaders in Iran. Priest Ebrahim Case study 3: Blasphemy
Lok Sabha election, Ashok Singhal, the leader of should enjoy under the constitution. Firouzi, who remains in prison at the time of writing, Religious practice has always relied on
the Hindutva-based organisation Vishva Hindu was originally arrested in March 2013 on allegations freedom of expression – the sharing of views,
Parishad, remarked that this was the beginning of a of ‘promoting Christian Zionism’. At his trial he was theological debate and the changing of one’s
revolution which would see India entirely Hindu by also charged with ‘attempting to launch a Christian mind. Furthermore, the freedom to give or hear
2020 and the entire world Hindu by 2030.6 In 2018, website, contacting suspicious foreigners and an address or to sing in shared worship is a
BJP politician Surendra Singh reportedly stated that running online church services’ – allegations he fundamental part of religious ritual and sacrament.
‘once India becomes a “Hindu rashtra” only those claims are fabricated. Due for release in January When this right is removed, it also strips away the
Muslims would stay in the country who assimilate 2015, Firouzi was kept in prison under new charges very core of religious practice and identity.
in the Hindu culture’.7 UN special rapporteur, E of ‘acting against national security, gathering and
Tendayi Achiume noted in September 2018 that collusion’ and was sentenced to a further five
the election of the Hindu nationalist BJP has been years in jail.13 His continued imprisonment directly
‘linked to incidents of violence against members contradicts his international right to FoRB, with his
of Dalit, Muslim, tribal and Christian communities’ right to a fair trial also seriously undermined.
with the use of inflammatory remarks by BJP
leaders a driving factor.8
Those who leave Hinduism are often not afforded
For Christians living in India, their right their full rights as Indian citizens. Preeti, pictured right,
and her husband were tied up and beaten by their
to identify with their Indian nationality is neighbours when they became Christians.
made precarious as they are told they do
Former Jakarta Governor, and Christian, Basuki
not conform to the norms of village life. Cahaya Purnama (known as Ahok) was sent to jail
for blasphemy because he accused his political
Case study 2: Kangaroo courts? opponents of using Quranic verses to stop Muslims
These incidents of violence and discrimination Arbitrary arrest, false accusation and fabricated Formerly imprisoned in Iran, for his Christian faith, from voting for him.
Wahid is now a church leader and has participated in
are widespread. For instance, in five villages in the evidence are a reality for Christians living in many ex-prisoner trauma care training.
Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra in August 2018,9 of the World Watch List countries – practices which A growing number of World Watch List countries
Christians were ostracised and forced to leave fundamentally undermine the international right to are legislating for blasphemy or tightening their
the community, had their right to benefits and FoRB as well as the right to a fair trial. China has seen its World Watch List persecution blasphemy laws. This legislation often gags those
welfare questioned and experienced beatings by score rise from 57/100 in 2018 to 65/100 in 2019. who have different religious views from those of
community members on the basis that their faith is Christians in Sudan regularly stand trial without Reports indicate that police have been given the state – and strips people of their right to openly
seen as a threat to that community’s wider Hindu the charges against them being fully published. quotas for the number of Christians they are discuss, criticise and debate religious ideas. In
identity. This one example illuminates a wider ‘Summary trials’ are commonplace10 and Christians required to arrest in Liaoning’s Dalian city. In 2018, as the presence of Islamic fundamentalism
trend. are often handed charges that are unjust. For September 2018, police stations were given a ‘new has grown in Indonesia, accusations of blasphemy
instance, in April 2018, Azhari Tambra, Mina quarterly quota assessment plan’ with ‘particular have increased with it. For instance, in 2018 a
For Christians living in this context, their right Mata, George Adem and Kodi Abdulraheem were requirements’ in relation to the number of religious Christian politician was reported to the police by a
to identify with their Indian nationality is made charged with ‘causing physical harm to police arrests. Those who arrest individuals from the Falun conservative Muslim organisation for stating that
precarious as they are told they do not conform and supporters of a Muslim businessman’, when Gong religion score the highest number of ‘points’, her political party did not agree with Sharia (Islamic
to the norms of village life. This is further in reality police and an armed mob attacked the while local church leaders also provide points law).16 Likewise, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh
compounded when public figures and politicians church premises11 stabbing two church members.12 for the police station that successfully makes the stated in November 2018 that anyone who
actively undermine their identity as Indians and arrest.14 With the loss of the station chief’s job if ‘pronounces offensive comments’ against Islam will
create an environment whereby others feel they Likewise, unjust and nebulous charges are used quotas are not fulfilled, there is no doubt that the be prosecuted.17
arrest of Christians and other religious minorities
6 ‘India will be a Hindu nation by 2020, world by 2030: VHP leader Ashok Singhal’, Indian Express, 20 July 2015.
has now become incentivised in Dalian city.15
7 ‘Lok Sabha polls will see “Islam vs Bhagwan, Pakistan vs India”: BJP MLA’, Times of India, 13 April 2018.
8 See: ‘Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance’, United Nations General Assembly, August 2018, p10. The comment
made was based on a Human Rights Watch submission to the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of India, 2016. 13 ‘Iran: staggering number of Christians arrested – 114 in a week’, World Watch Monitor, 5 December 2018.
9 ‘We’ll close one church every week, Indian Christians told’, World Watch Monitor, 6 August 2018. 14 Junying, P, ‘Arrest believers or get fired’, Bitter Winter, 31 October 2018.
10 See: USCIRF, ‘Sudan’, USCIRF Annual Report, 2018. 15 ibid.
11 ‘Sudan: Four Christians charged, 36 others to stand trial’, World Watch Monitor, 19 April 2018. 16 ‘Indonesia: Christian politician accused of blasphemy for opposing Sharia-based bylaws’, World Watch Monitor, 22 November 2018.
12 ‘Part of church compound in Sudan illegally occupied’, World Watch Monitor, 2 May 2017. 17 ‘Bangladesh PM says anyone who offends Islam will be prosecuted’, World Watch Monitor, 7 November 2018.
6 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 7
A growing number of World Watch List this that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan score 15/17
countries are legislating for blasphemy persecution points in the ‘church life’ persecution
sphere.
or tightening their blasphemy laws.
Despite claiming increased ‘religious tolerance’
This heightening control over what non-Muslims and ‘religious dialogue’,20 the rights of Kazakhstan’s
can publicly say in Indonesia and Bangladesh Christians continued to be curtailed throughout
has happened within the wider context of the 2018. For instance, in just the first six months of the
continued misuse of blasphemy legislation in year at least 79 individuals, religious communities
Pakistan. Since the insertion of a specific clause or organisations were prosecuted in Kazak courts
punishing blasphemy against the Prophet for religious activities. A Pentecostal Christian and
Muhammad into Pakistan’s penal code in 1986, 14 Baptists were sentenced21 and churches which
at least 150 Christians, 564 Muslims, 459 Ahmadis do not have the correct government permits were
and 21 Hindus have been jailed under blasphemy regularly raided. This was the case in January 2018
charges. Prior to the insertion of that 1986 clause, when the Council of Churches’ Baptist congregation
only 14 blasphemy cases had been reported.18 in Oral was raided during a service. In line with
While 2018 saw the acquittal of the high profile its article 18 rights, the church chooses to meet
case of Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death on without state permission. Six of its members were
blasphemy charges in 2010,19 the law continues to handed fines by police, which were only cancelled
impede upon Christians as they live in constant fear after numerous complaints were made.22
of accusations of blasphemy by their neighbours,
colleagues or peers in school.
Case study 4: Attending a place
of worship
Attending a designated space, building or home
to worship is a fundamental part of practising
a religion. As individuals come together, a
‘congregation’ is formed and believers find strength
in praying, discussing and singing together. The
right to form a religious congregation without
Despite the dangers of meeting together, Christians
interference is key to both the international in Central Asia continue to do so. Pictured is a secret
right to FoRB as well as article 20 of the Universal woman’s discipleship meeting on International
Declaration of Human Rights: the right to Women’s Day in March 2018.
association and peaceful assembly.
With FoRB at the centre of the world’s greatest
However, in a number of Central Asian countries the crises and acting as a warning sign for a range
state is fearful of any groups which meet together of other rights, it really is the issue of our time
and so they purposefully attempt to shrink the and must be at the centre of all foreign policy
space in which civil society can operate. In relation and development decisions taken by the UK
to Christian worship this regularly manifests government.
itself in raids on churches and attempts to hinder
Christians from meeting together. It is because of This ruined church is a reminder that there was a time when Christians could
meet together to worship freely in Saudi Arabia. However, the government’s
18 Lowry, L, ‘Five things Christians need to know about Asia Bibi and the Church in Pakistan’, Open Doors USA, 31 October 2018.
19 Asif, A, ‘Pakistani Christian gets life for blasphemy despite learning difficulties’, World Watch Monitor, 26 October 2018.
systematic attempt to stop the right to association of religious minorities in
20 Corley, F, Kinahan, J, ‘Kazakhstan: Religious freedom survey 2018’, Forum 18, 4 September 2018. Saudi Arabia means that meeting together is not possible for Christians living
21 Corley, F, ‘Kazakhstan: 79 known administrative prosecutions in six months’, Forum 18, 4 July 2018.
22 ibid. in the country in 2019.
8 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 9
The temperature is rising... Paying the price twice: class
Once again, 11 of the World Watch List top 50 India’s Dalits have historically been known as This disregard for the rights of Christian Dalits is
countries are designated as countries of extreme ‘untouchables’ because they are considered to be compounded by the fact that they are denied the
persecution. North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, impure.25 Despite being outlawed in Article 17 of benefits and protection that other Dalits receive.
Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, India the Indian Constitution, the caste system is still
and Syria each have 81/100 persecution points a reality in India today.26 As the lowest members Under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order
or more. These are countries where Christians of the Hindu class or ‘caste’ system, the Dalits are of 1950, only Hindu Dalits were afforded certain
experience extreme levels of violence and hostility. regularly abused and mistreated. privileges and concessions as Scheduled Castes.
Full and free exercise of the Christian faith is Dalit Sikhs and Dalit Buddhists were later included
either extremely dangerous or prohibited within A high proportion of Indian Christians are also in 1956 and 1990. However, Christians and Muslims
society, where churches may be banned or under Saree, aged 12, had to choose between her new Dalits – some estimate up to 70 per cent. With are denied affirmative action in employment and
government control, or where one’s Christian Christian faith and her family when they found out the 2019 World Watch List indicating escalating education, which this legislation provides for Dalits
about her conversion from Hinduism.
identity can be enough to attract persecution. levels of persecution against Christians in India, of other religious backgrounds.
a high proportion of these Christians are doubly
But persecution is also rising in countries well Somalia vulnerable on the basis of their class and religion. Furthermore, since Dalit Christians and Muslims
beyond the top 11. Christians living in the first 40 Somalia’s Christian community continues to exist are not considered to be of the ‘Scheduled
countries on the World Watch List are now at risk of in a context of great danger, with persecution from For instance, in April 2018, neighbours reported the Caste’, they do not fall under the purview of the
either extreme or very high levels of persecution. family, society and extremists a daily reality for death of Daniel, an elderly pastor living in Andhra Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention
If we look beyond the top 50 to the 150 countries this small group of Christians. Fr. Steffan Tollu, the Pradesh. Daniel’s family and fellow villagers found of Atrocities) Act 1989. This offers additional
analysed by Open Doors as part of its World Watch military chaplain of the Italian contingent of the his death suspicious as it occurred only days after legal protection and rehabilitation for victims
research, Christians living in more than a third European Union training mission in Somalia, gave he complained to the police about money that was of caste-based violence.30 Despite numerous
of the world’s countries, 73 out of 195,23 are now evidence of just how dangerous life has become missing from his bank account. Villagers who knew recommendations in government reports such
facing high levels of persecution or worse. These for Christians. Elderly Christians in Mogadishu were Daniel believed he could easily be taken advantage as the Mandal Commission in 1980, the Sachar
are unprecedented levels of persecution and add experiencing high levels of persecution from their of due to his status as both a Dalit and a Christian.27 Commission in 2006, and most recently the
weight to the case that pursuing the international own grandchildren, who have been radicalised as One villager, who did not wish to be named, said: National Commission for Minorities in 2008, the law
right to FoRB must become a key concern for the Somalia has turned towards extremist Islam since still denies this affirmative action to Dalit Christians
UK government in 2019. the 1990s. Some were even reported to have been “They [the police] get bought for money easily. We and Muslims because of their religion.31
murdered by their grandchildren.24 challenge them by asking: ‘Why has this happened
India to Pastor Daniel alone?’ [It is] because he comes As the situation for Christians in India deteriorates,
India has entered the top ten for the first time Libya from the lower strata of society, and he is a good it is crucial that the most vulnerable among them
in World Watch List history. Just five years ago A lawless state, Libya is a dangerous country at Christian whose voice they can ignore, and rob him are protected. If you are a parliamentarian, please
no one would have believed it possible. In 2014, the best of times. But with religious identity added of his money. They can enjoy his money and kill him see page 27 for how you can use your voice to
India ranked at 28 with a persecution score of to the mix, Libya can be lethal. Libya’s Christian brutally. This is what you get if you are a Dalit and a support vulnerable Christians in India.
55/100. Since then India has climbed up the population remains invisible, hiding from the Christian in this country.”28
ranking at an unprecedented pace. In 2019 India watchful eye of family, society, state and extremists
has a persecution score of 83/100. When it comes who would, if they discovered Libya’s Christian Daniel’s fellow villagers complained that the
to religious freedom, India, the world’s largest community, commit murder without hesitation. inspector in charge of his case was a poor choice for
democracy and the country which taught the world In 2018 trusted field sources reported the murder, the investigation because he would not act towards
the way of ‘non-violence’, now sits alongside Iran slavery and abuse of scores of Christian migrants a Christian Dalit in a fair manner.29
and Syria. As levels of violence have continued to whose religious identity was discovered as they
rise, and false accusations and arrests of church made their way through Libya.
leaders have multiplied, India has become almost 25 ‘India’s Dalits still fighting untouchability’, BBC News, 27 June 2012.
unrecognisable for Christians living in the worst- 26 The Sachar Commission, a report commissioned by the Prime Minister of India to ascertain the economic and social commission of Muslims in the country in 2006, stated that ‘by all available
evidence we do find the caste system to be an all-pervading social phenomenon of India shared by almost all Indian communities irrespective of religious persuasions’.
offending regions. 27 Ravinder, T, ‘India: case of murdered Dalit pastor not taken seriously, say victim’s friends’, World Watch Monitor, 27 April 2018i
28 ibid.
29 ibid.
23 Countries recognised by the UN. 30 Government of India (Ministry of Tribal Affairs), ‘The Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Prevention of Atrocity Act 1989’.
24 Agenzia Fides, ‘Africa/Somalia – A small community of Somali Christians live their faith by hiding’, 28 February 2018. 31 Also see Akkara, A, ‘India minister says no special caste status for Christians’, World Watch Monitor, 27 October 2014.
10 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 11
Paying the price twice: gender
With little economic, social or political agency to Christianity regularly find themselves confined
within the societies in which they live, Christian to the house. While being confined to the home
women often find that they are specifically is not necessarily better or worse than being
vulnerable to persecution because of their gender confined in a government detention centre, this
and their faith. Far from being gender-blind, trend is significant. Being confined to the home is
persecution exploits all the available vulnerabilities an invisible constraint which women have to bear.
specific to women. When horrific acts are carried out on Christian men
in government detention, the visibility of their
The most obvious of these is sexual violence. Rape arrest and detention means that they can benefit
is a common characteristic in the persecution of from advocacy. A Christian woman locked away
Christian women in 17 World Watch List countries, by family members may go unnoticed for years.
with other forms of sexual assault listed for half the Placing women under house arrest is a tool of
countries on the list.32 persecution in all Central Asian countries on the
World Watch List as well as Somalia, Jordan, Yemen,
Persecutors know that by violating a woman’s body, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
the persecution runs deep. Not only does this bring
shame on the woman, but it can also bring shame The following pages illustrate the specific
upon the husband. In doing this, the insidious vulnerabilities faced by Christian women in two
nature of sexual violence undermines the family. World Watch List countries: Nigeria and the Central
Where a husband and wife are torn apart, tension African Republic. It also highlights the way in which
is brought into the home and children can suffer faith-based trauma care is key to their recovery.
gravely. When families suffer, the church suffers
too. Sexual violence as a tool of persecution creates
a ripple effect of persecuting factors that fracture
families and communities.
Closely connected to sexual violence, is the issue
of abduction, as it often includes forced marriage
and rape. Seven of the countries analysed included
abduction as a well-known way in which Christian
women are targeted because of their faith. In
Pakistan, abduction is a real and present danger
for Christian women and families. A report by the
Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan
found that at least 1,000 girls from Hindu and
Christian families are forced to marry Muslim men
every year.33
Another specific factor facing women of the
Dalit children like these are discriminated against in India on the basis of
persecuted church is house arrest. While men are
their class. If you add the Christian faith into the equation, life becomes very
more likely to be confined in government detention
difficult as demonstrated in the story of Daniel on page 11.
facilities, the confinement of women is more likely
to be family enforced. That is, women who convert
32 This analysis of gender specific persecution was carried out by Open Doors’ World Watch Research unit in 30 World Watch List countries in 2017.
33 ‘Pakistan: Events of 2017’, Human Rights Watch, 2018.
12 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Image used for illustrative purposes Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 13
Tackling trauma many in the village ostracised her.
With constant humiliation inflicted
impacted the way she understands
herself and her daughter. While the
that even when others call her
baby ‘baby Boko’, she no
on her by villagers, she gave birth to mockery she and Rebecca endured longer feels the pain
Rebecca. from villagers and even family that she used to feel
Open Doors has found that faith-based trauma care is essential for overcoming the damage caused by
members for being ‘Boko Haram’ was because, as she told
gender-based violence. It can heal and restore the way individuals see themselves, the way husbands view Through Open Doors’ local church
painful, Esther has learnt that they are an Open Doors staff
their wives and the way communities treat those who have experienced trauma. In highly religious societies, partners in Nigeria, Esther has
not defined by Boko Haram or their member: “I know
it rebuilds cohesive communities. received trauma care and support,
past. that’s not who my
helping her to process what she
baby is”.
has experienced. This has greatly Esther said after receiving trauma care
VERLAINE AND
PASTOR DANWAY*
Verlaine and her family live in the Open Doors was able to provide training to Pastor Danway, who said:
town of Bossangoa in the Central Verlaine with support CHARITY
“We thank God that Open Doors taught
African Republic. When the Muslim through counselling Charity was
us how to talk to people like Verlaine. and she returned to be with Charity was the primary
Seleka Alliance came to their village, and trauma care. But kidnapped
We started by listening to her, over and her husband. However, recipient of the trauma
they fled to their piece of land deep in it’s not just Verlaine by Boko
over again. Only later could we begin life wasn’t easy and care. But the impact of
the bush. who has been Haram
to counsel her…It is important for the her husband beat her the care has gone much
strengthened when she
The family were found by members healing process of traumatised people for returning with further. Charity has
by the trauma was out
of the Multinational Force for Central that we encourage them to be active another man’s child. seen a difference in her
counselling walking with her
Africa, soldiers who were supposed to again to start a small business… Despite telling him husband – as he began
– her entire husband. While her
protect them. But they took Verlaine When they have something in their that she had not to read some of the
community husband managed to escape, Charity
and her family to a camp hands to take care of, it boosts fallen pregnant out trauma care material
has benefitted failed to get away. In captivity, the
where they tied up their self-confidence and then it is of choice, he wouldn’t he stopped beating her.
too. Pastor Boko Haram fighters refused to
her husband. easier for them to deal with what listen. While he finds it hard to
Danway*, feed or clothe her properly.
They then happened to be a father to Rahila, he
who pastors Through the
took a can them.” When she tried to escape has begun to acknowledge
the church in assistance of
of kerosene they caught her and she her. Early signs of progress are
Bossangoa, Open Doors,
and burnt was forcefully married becoming evident.
is one of Charity has received
him alive. As and converted to
the three trauma care to help her
a traumatised Islam. Charity was
caregivers who deal with the multiple
widow, raped and became
regularly visits devastating incidents she
Verlaine was left pregnant, giving birth
Verlaine. Open has experienced. Amongst
in an extrmely to a baby girl name
Doors has been other exercises this included
vulnerable state. Rahila.
able to provide art therapy, opportunities to
*name changed for security reasons
mental health After three years in share her experience in a safe
captivity, the Nigerian environment and theological
military rescued Charity reflection.
ESTHER
Esther knew Boko Haram fighters They took many captives, separating her grandparents,
were close and so her family began Muslims and Christians. Esther, along they took her
Around the world, religion matters. While religion and religious language might not be considered essential
living in the caves beyond the with the other ‘infidels’, were marched into their
village for safety. Feeling unwell, she deep into the forest. She was forced
to everyday life in Western Europe, religion is an entry point to vulnerable communities elsewhere, such as
home. But
returned to the village to buy food, to marry a Boko Haram militant, knowing that those Esther, Charity and Verlaine belong to. When the UK government considers its development projects,
the fever took hold and she lay down becoming his fourth wife and fell Esther was and particularly trauma counselling, the language of faith and spirituality is vital because it is so engrained
to rest. The next thing she heard was pregnant with his child. pregnant with in the culture and the lives of the victims it serves. Victims often relate to religious imagery and concepts and
gunshots. a Boko Haram gain strength from care which uses the lexicon of faith. Using faith leaders to facilitate this care is key because
When Esther was finally reunited with
fighter’s child, they are trusted and can go where others cannot.
14 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 15
Paying the price twice: ethnicity It is hard being a Christian in an all Muslim people group, and even harder
when the people group is disdained by the government.
Ethnic and religious identities are often intimately The National Ceasefire Agreement was brokered As an ethnic community, the Rohingya Muslims have experienced violent
connected. As a result, when a person is persecuted between the Myanmar government and eight persecution at the hands of the Myanmar state. But when a Rohingya
because of their different ethnicity and faith, the ‘rebel groups’ in October 2015, but the Kachin person chooses to convert to Christianity, they also experience persecution
impact of that persecution is often compounded. Independence Army has been unwilling to lay within their own ethnic community. They become outcasts among outcasts.
down its arms while Kachin villages continue to be
Photo: Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh where Rohingya Christian converts are based.
Many will be familiar with the Rohingya community bombed.37 United Nations Human Rights Council
in Myanmar. This is an ethnic community which representative, Yanghee Lee, warned in March
practises a different faith to the country’s Buddhist 2018 that the peace process with minority groups
majority. The Muslims of Rakhine state have is losing momentum in Myanmar38 and any future
been denied citizenship because their combined agreement with the Kachin people now looks
religious and ethnic identity is perceived by the unlikely.
state as a threat.34
There is evidence that the Kachin people are
However, the Rohingya are not the only ethnic mistreated by the Myanmar government and army
minority in Myanmar who are deemed as a threat because of their Christian faith, which stands in
because of their difference. Much less reported is contrast to the country’s majority Buddhist faith.
the plight of the Kachin community in Myanmar’s Reports are common of discriminatory acts being
mountainous northerly region. This ethnic minority carried out against the Kachin people on the basis
community is thought to be approximately 85 per of their faith. Unless they convert to Buddhism,
cent Christian.35 they can be taken for forced labour and denied
access to education. It has also been reported that
There is evidence that the Kachin Myanmar soldiers have been encouraged to marry
people are mistreated by the Myanmar Kachin women to convert them to Buddhism.39
Furthermore, a report in July 2018 stated that
government and army because of their more than 60 churches in Kachin state had been
Christian faith, which stands in contrast destroyed in the previous 18 months, with a third
to the country’s majority Buddhist faith. turned into Buddhist pagodas.40 This highlights
that the systematic abuse of the Kachin people is
When Myanmar gained independence, the connected not only to their ethnicity but also to
Kachin people were promised equality and self- their religion.
determination, but conflict broke out when the
military seized control of their territory in 1962.
Since then, thousands have died and more than
120,000 Kachin people have been displaced.
Myanmar’s army has been accused of blocking aid
from reaching civilians. This has prompted human
rights activists to question whether the denial of
humanitarian aid to this vulnerable group is being
used as a weapon of war.36
34 ‘Religion and the Persecution of Rohingya Muslims’ The Berkley Centre, 24 October 2017 and Mufford, T., ‘Rohingya Muslims Pay the Ultimate Price for Their Religious and Ethnic Identity’, The Berkley
Centre, 19 October 2017.
35 Open Doors approximates that the Christian population in Kachin is 85 per cent, while others such as Minority Rights Group approximate between 66 per cent and 90 per cent.
36 ‘Myanmar: end restrictions on humanitarian aid in war-torn Kachin state’ Fortify Rights, Yangon, 30 August 2018.
37 Hogan, L., ‘‘Slow genocide’: Myanmar’s invisible war on the Kachin Christian minority’, The Guardian, 14 May 2018.
38 ‘Myanmar: UN expert calls for accountability over violence in Rakhine State’ OHCHR, Geneva, 12 March 2018.
39 ‘Kachin’ Minority Rights Group, undated.
40 ‘Myanmar: Army accused of destroying churches and turning them into Buddhist temples’, World Watch Monitor, 6 July 2018.
16 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 17
Abraham, pictured here, lived at the Children’s Centre Paying the price twice: age
supported by Open Doors in Colombia to protect him
against recruitment by guerrilla groups.
That children are specifically targeted because of A course at the Children’s Centre, entitled ‘My Life
their faith can be hard to swallow. But the reality is Project’, has been particularly beneficial to young
that the perpetrators of religious persecution often adults who need guidance in thinking about what
look for the most vulnerable in a community and they might do with their lives. On this course the
seek to take advantage of their innocence. students are encouraged to think about their long-
term goals. This gives perspective to those from
The children of the persecuted church are often turbulent backgrounds.
targeted so as to threaten, scare and intimidate
their parents. In regions of Colombia where armed By housing Abraham in the Children’s Centre he
guerrilla fighters41 are in control, Christian families was protected from recruitment by the fighters,
are often mistreated and abused by the guerrilla and his parents knew that he was safe. He no
groups. The abduction and murder of pastors longer wishes to join the guerrillas and has gone
whose religious faith runs contrary to the values to university. Even so, it is hard for children like
of these groups is a stark reality.42 These guerrilla Abraham as they may not see their families for
groups despise Christian pastors because they more than a year at a time. They also worry about
often refuse to become involved in their illegal their parents who continue to be targeted by the
activities and attempt to preach their Christian faith guerrillas.
to their members.
Furthermore, these groups often target Christian
children. There have been reports of guerrilla
groups arriving at schools and demanding that the
children of Christian leaders are handed over. Open
Doors has received reports that Christian children
are even specifically targeted for enlistment as a
form of attack against Christian parents.
The children of the persecuted church
are often targeted so as to threaten,
scare and intimidate their parents.
For instance, Abraham had to move away from
his home and family. As the child of a Christian
family, he was at high risk of being recruited by the
guerrillas. When he arrived at the Children’s Centre
run by Open Doors in Colombia, it became clear
that the manipulation and indoctrination of the
guerrilla group was taking hold. Abraham told the
workers he wanted to join the fighters and drew
pictures of men with guns shooting people. His
arrival at the centre may have come just in time.
41 This can include a range of groups from ELN, FARC dissidents or criminal gangs.
42 Open Door USA, ‘Stories of Christian persecution | Children of Colombia’, YouTube, 7 January 2013.
18 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 19Countries of special concern
China For President Xi, a vibrant church Russia State the United Wa State Army has attacked
China’s climb from 43 on the World Watch List in The situation for Christians living in Russia has and abducted Christians and has worked to see
undermines the Communist Party’s worsened, particularly in the Chechnya and
2018 to 27 in 2019 is a serious cause for concern. In churches closed across the region in 2018.
the five spheres analysed by World Watch Research, authority while a conforming church Dagestan regions of the country. Levels of violence,
China’s highest score is ‘church life’. This is because which were previously relatively low (2/17),49 have
only makes it stronger. increased (5/17). Five Orthodox Christian women
President Xi believes that if the Communist Party
can control the church it can be used as a tool to were killed and five other Christians were injured in
In one area, a few Roman Catholic churches were a church in Kizlyar, Dagestan, when it was attacked
build a socialist society with Chinese characteristics.
told to replace pictures of Jesus with pictures of by a gunman thought to be linked to radical Islam.50
He is pursuing this through the government’s
President Xi.45 Reports in April 2018 also indicated Seven Christians were also killed in a church attack
‘active guidance’ which encourages religious
groups to ‘adapt to socialist society’. For President that the online sale of Bibles had been banned.46 in Chechnya in May 2018.51 Islamic State has
Xi, a vibrant church undermines the Communist claimed responsibility.52
Party’s authority while a conforming church only Algeria
makes it stronger. Algeria’s rise on the World Watch List from 42 in The region to watch
2018 to 22 in 2019 is mainly due to a crackdown South East Asia was heralded as the next big thing
on churches and Christian activity. While some in 2018’s World Watch List report, and it remains the
previously closed churches were able to reopen region to watch in 2019. Indonesia’s violence score
in 201847 a number of other churches have been has almost doubled as significant bomb attacks
forced to close.48 It is likely that this is because took place in May 2018 in three separate churches.53 Robby Pujianto, pictured here, is a victim of the May
Christians in Algeria have become more open about 2018 church bombings in Indonesia. He was thrown six
Police have connected the attack to an ‘Islamic-
metres when the first bomb exploded, injuring his face
their faith, raising alarm bells from the state. State inspired network’.54 These violent attacks have and back.
taken place in the context of growing repression
against Christians in Indonesia whereby churches
have been closed due to permit disputes55 and
Sunday schools may be required to register with
the state.56
Indonesia’s violence score has almost
As sanctions on churches in China scale up, small
groups of Chinese Christians continue to meet together doubled as significant bomb attacks
for prayer.
took place in May 2018 in three separate
churches. Police have connected the
The suppression of church life has been widespread
in China. The new Regulations on Religious Affairs attack to an ‘Islamic-State inspired
came into force in China in February. Since then, network’.
a focus on prohibiting children and youth from
hearing religious teaching has seen nursery and Myanmar’s violence score has also increased
Sunday schools closed down, summer camps significantly as violent attacks against the country’s
banned, and churches forced to place signs at their Kachin and Shan people, who are predominantly
entrances forbidding anyone under 18 to enter.43 Protestant church in Ait Djemaa, Algeria, is closed in Christian, continued throughout 2018.57 In Shan
Some Chinese churches have been pressured to fly autumn 2018 by government authorities. The church
lock pictured here was blocked so that local Christians 49 The Russian Federation was not on the World Watch List in 2018, but analysts at Open Doors’ World Watch Research recorded a score of 2/17 for violence when analysing the 150 countries in the
the national flag higher than the cross and sing the could not enter. study.
national anthem before services.44 50 ‘Dagestan church attacker linked to militant group, as unlikely hero emerges’, World Watch Monitor, 23 February 2018.
51 ‘Chechnya: Seven killed in Orthodox church attack’, World Watch Monitor, 21 May 2018.
52 ibid.
43 ‘China Government campaign in Henan stops minors from entering church’, World Watch Monitor, 9 May 2018. 53 ‘Surabaya church attacks: One family responsible, police say’, BBC News, 13 May 2018.
44 ‘China: clampdown reaches Christians in Henan’, World Watch Monitor, 11 April 2018. 54 ibid.
45 ‘Chinese Christians told to believe in President Xi, not Jesus’ World Watch Monitor, 16 November 2017. 55 ‘Indonesia: Three churches closed in permits dispute’, World Watch Monitor, 3 October 2018.
46 ‘China: ‘For Christians, the “grey” area is shrinking’’, World Watch Monitor, 16 April 2018. 56 ‘Indonesia: New religious education bill requires registration of Sunday schools’, World Watch Monitor, 30 October 2018.
47 ‘Algerian pastor ‘amazed’ as three churches told they can reopen’, World Watch Monitor, 13 June 2018. 57 Hogan, L., ‘‘Slow genocide’: Myanmar’s invisible war on the Kachin Christian minority’, The Guardian, 14 May 2018 and ‘Churches destroyed, priests questioned in Myanmar’s Shan state’ World Watch
48 ‘Algerian government allows three churches to re-open in June, but now closes another’, World Watch Monitor, 16 July 2018. Monitor, 20 September 2018.
20 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 21Signs of hope Open Doors advocacy
Iraq Egypt Open Doors UK and Ireland is part of a global of research into the gender-dynamics of
Iraq has slipped out of the top ten on the World While there are 3,700 churches waiting to be NGO network which has supported and persecution, which has influenced changes in
Watch List for the first time since 2010 – and is now registered in Egypt, some 340 churches received strengthened persecuted Christians in more the field practices of Open Doors. This in turn
ranked at 13. Its persecution score has dropped approval from the Egyptian state by the end of than 60 countries for upwards of 60 years. The will drive global advocacy in 2019 on the double
from 86/100 to 79/100 with a slight decrease in October 2018. This slow but significant move organisation’s UK Advocacy Department is well- vulnerability of women from religious minorities.
each persecution category. As Daesh has been in permission being given for Christians to use known at Westminster. It is in regular contact with The aim is to mainstream an understanding of this
pushed out of Iraq, fewer cases of discrimination public buildings as places of worship is a small but Ministers and civil servants at the Foreign and into government and international policies tackling
and violence have been reported against Christians. welcome development. Commonwealth Office and the Department for sexual violence in conflict.
For instance, in the once Daesh-occupied town International Development.
of Karamles in the Nineveh plains, reports of
the town slowly returning to normal have been The Open Doors Advocacy team is active in three
received as Open Doors’ partners have supported main spheres:
the local church to reconstruct houses and create
employment opportunities.58 Even so, Iraq remains • Internationally: at the United Nations and at the
high on the World Watch List at 13, and Christians in European Union in Brussels and Strasbourg
Iraq remain uneasy about their situation, with the
sense that any future instability could wipe out the • Nationally: in a number of key capitals,
Christian community for good.59 including London, Paris, Berlin and Washington
DC
In the once Daesh-occupied town of
• Locally: at the grassroots Open Doors provides
Karamles in the Nineveh plains, reports
legal support and human rights training for
of the town slowly returning to normal persecuted Christians and has increasing
have been received as the local church numbers of advocacy field staff who provide
an important link between the realities on the
works to reconstruct houses and create
ground and the national and international
employment opportunities. advocacy teams. Open Doors CEO, Henrietta Blyth, discusses the portraits
A newly built church in Upper Egypt. of Nigerian Christian women targeted for their faith
Malaysia As an NGO working with some of the most and gender with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for
After a relatively peaceful year for Christians in vulnerable communities around the world, Open Freedom of Religion or Belief and Special Representative
Malaysia, the country’s score has decreased from Doors connects its field experience, on-the-ground on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Ahmad
65/100 to 60/100 – with Malaysia dropping from 23 intelligence and needs assessment expertise with of Wimbledon, United Nations Special Representative on
to 42 on the World Watch List. Malaysia is no longer its advocacy work in the UK parliament. This is to Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and Canon
designated as a country with ‘very high’ persecution ensure Open Doors can speak up for those most in Sarah Snyder at an exhibition organised by Open Doors
but has dropped to the ‘high’ persecution category. need and can communicate growing and emerging and BRAC-UK at Lambeth Palace, November 2018.
However, while any sense of peace and stability trends to decision-makers.
for Malaysian Christians is to be celebrated, it’s If you are a member of parliament or a civil
important to remember that Pastor Raymond Koh,60 The annual World Watch List plays an important servant, or work for an NGO, and would like
allegedly kidnapped by individuals connected to role in Open Doors’ advocacy, highlighting further information on what you have read, or
senior Malaysian police officers, is still missing.61 countries of special concern and key emerging require a briefing of any kind on the worldwide
trends. For instance, through its work with local persecution of Christians, please contact Open
partners and churches in more than 60 countries, Doors UK and Ireland’s Advocacy Department by
Open Doors was able to identify the specific needs emailing advocacy@opendoorsuk.org You can
58 ‘Nineveh Plains Christians ‘slowly returning to normal’ World Watch Monitor, 8 August 2018.
59 ‘‘If this is not genocide, then what is?’ asks Iraqi archbishop’, World Watch Monitor, 17 October 2018. and vulnerabilities of women from within the also see the recommendations for action on
60 See: ‘Update: Son of abducted Malaysian pastor suspects he may have been murdered’, World Watch Monitor, 2 March 2018.
61 ‘Raymond Koh’s wife ‘expects justice’ as inquiry into Malaysian pastor’s abduction ends’, World Watch Monitor, 10 December 2018. persecuted church. This led to the commissioning page 27.
22 The Open Doors World Watch List Report 2019 Paying the price twice: how religious persecution exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups 23You can also read
