Record Number of Countries Persecute Christians, Report Finds, Prompting Calls for U.S. Policy Shift
WASHINGTON – A new report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) details an alarming surge in the global persecution of Christians and other faith communities, reaching a record high in the number of countries actively targeting individuals for their beliefs. The 2025 USCIRF Annual Report, released this week, documents widespread imprisonment, violence, and even death for simply practicing one’s faith.
The report identifies nearly 30 countries where systematic religious targeting occurs, designating 16 as “Countries of Particular Concern” and placing 12 others on a “Special Watch List.” More than 2,300 individuals are currently imprisoned worldwide solely because of their religious beliefs, according to USCIRF.
“Religious freedom is not just a Western value, it’s a human right,” stated Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) during a January USCIRF hearing. “And when violated anywhere, it should concern freedom-loving people everywhere.”
Nigeria stands out as a particularly dangerous hotspot, accounting for over 80% of religion-based murders globally in 2024. The violence extends across religious lines, impacting Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike. Rebecca Dali, founder of the Center for Caring, Empowering and Peace Initiatives and a former Boko Haram captive, testified to the devastating scale of the killings, having documented thousands perpetrated by the extremist group.
“Let us acknowledge that there are too many killings in Nigeria,” Dali said, emphasizing the shared desire for peace among all Nigerians. “Violence will never end violence.”
Beyond physical violence, the report highlights evolving tactics of persecution. In China, authorities are increasingly employing technology and a policy of “Sinicization” to erase religious identity. Grace Drexel, daughter of detained Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and a national security analyst, described how the government is replacing religious symbols with images of President Xi Jinping, substituting hymns with revolutionary songs, and installing facial recognition cameras in places of worship. Drexel also warned of the growing threat to believers even after they flee China, facing continued targeting in supposed safe havens.
The situation in Syria and Iran remains particularly opaque, with an estimated 1,300 deaths attributed to sectarian violence in Syria since the collapse of central authority – a figure experts believe is likely an underestimate.
Globally, the number of Christians facing high levels of persecution or discrimination continues to rise. Open Doors, an organization tracking Christian persecution, estimates that 388 million Christians now face such conditions, an increase of 8 million from the previous year, according to their 2025 World Watch List. Ryan Brown, advocacy director for Open Doors, emphasized the importance of prayer and support for those suffering for their faith.
“I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve met who’ve been in prison who’ve told me they’ve taken such comfort in knowing that they’re not forgotten,” Brown said.
The USCIRF report is prompting calls for a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy. Lawmakers argue that the erosion of religious freedom abroad poses a direct threat to American security and democratic values. The commission urges the U.S. government to strengthen its response to religious persecution, framing it as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity in an increasingly volatile world.
https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/2025%20USCIRF%20Annual%20Report.pdf
https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/
