4,476 Christians were killed, and 4,744 Christians were detained or imprisoned in 2025, according to the World Watch list compiled by Open Doors.
“Though fewer Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria compared to last year, it remains disproportionately deadly for Christians, with 3,100 paying the ultimate price for their faith. Sadly, more Christians were killed outside Nigeria, many in sub-Saharan Africa countries like DRC, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Niger,” Open Doors reports.
“Christians continue to be detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned for following Jesus. In India alone, 1,629 Christians were detained without trial and another 547 were sentenced to prison. Believers were incarcerated for their faith in Eritrea, Bangladesh, Iran amongst others.”
Sub-Saharan Africa is a region of particular concern, according to Open Doors. “Multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have seen a rise in violence against Christians. Currently, 8 of the top 10 deadliest places for Christians are in Sub-Saharan Africa—and all of them (except Nigeria) have more faith-based killings than they did during the 2024 World Watch List reporting period.
“Chronic government instability has created an environment where Christians can be targeted, and where Islamic militants can use the chaos as cover for their attacks on Christians. “Many Christians have been forced from their homes. Of 34.5 million displaced people across Sub-Saharan Africa, around 16.2 million are Christians.”
However, North Korea remains number one on the World Watch list tracking persecution. “Several groups of Christians were arrested and brought to labour camps. There is an even greater emphasis on ideological purity, and any perceived or real outside threat is viciously purged. China also stepped up its efforts to arrest and repatriate North Koreans, all of whom are regarded as illegal immigrants.” The map with this story shows how countries rank on the World Watch list, but readers should check the full list at https://www.opendoors.org.au/world-watch-list/