12.11.2021

A prayer for Human Rights Day

On the week we marked Human Rights Day, we’ve been reminded again of the need to keep praying and standing up for the fundamental freedoms that we all share as human beings.

Afghanistan: Taliban promises women’s rights, omits work and education

On Friday, The Taliban released a decree on Afghan women’s rights.

Somali Christians grapple with loss of community

In Somalia, admitting to follow Jesus as Messiah puts Christians in great danger.

ICC Honors US Senator James Lankford for Advancing Religious Freedom

Myanmar: Military-controlled courts convict Aung San Suu Kyi

Courts have convicted the ousted leader of Myanmar’s civilian government, Aung San Suu Kyi, for “inciting dissent.”

Sudanese prime minister reinstated

Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has been reinstated after being detained by a military coup. Hamdok signed a deal with military leaders to secure his return to office.

Nigeria: Fulani association threatens churches

An anonymous “Fulani Association” has threatened Christians in Nigeria’s Zamfara State, telling them to close churches or be attacked.

BURMA | Ousted Leader Sentenced to Prison

Extremists pursue Afghan activists

In Afghanistan, activists live in constant danger, especially women.

USCIRF Welcomes Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today applauded President Joseph R. Biden for implementing a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics given the Chinese government’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses.

Afghans turn to Heart4Iran for help, hope

A new report from Human Rights Watch reveals a campaign of targeted executions in Afghanistan.

China: Minister An Yankui denied visitors

Yesterday morning, Yao Congya, the wife of Zion Reformed Church minister An Yankui, went to Fenyang Public Security Bureau, requesting to visit her husband with his lawyer.

Heavy Fine Upheld on Appeal by Christian in Algeria

Six-month prison sentence for 'unauthorized donations' suspended.

China: Another Qingcaodi member criminally detained

Yesterday, Deyang authorities criminally detained Early Rain Qingcaodi Church’s co-worker Liu Wuyi.

China: Christian pastor suffers two years in prison without trial

Pastor Hao Zhiwei of Egangqiao Church has been in custody for two years and four months since her arrest in July 2019.

China: Wife of Guo Feixion to her stranded husband: "My life is coming to an end..."

Zhang Qing, the wife of Guo Feixiong, released a public statement begging for her husband to visit in her final days.

Christian Families in Central India Face Social Boycott for Refusing to Recant Faith

On November 22, eight Christian families from Bansgoam village in India’s Chhattisgarh state were summoned to a village gathering where they were told to recant their faith.

China: Xiamen court fines Christian couple over $50,000

 On Thanksgiving, Xiamen Xunsiding Church’s pastor Yang Xibo received two “gifts” from the Xiamen municipal government. Siming district government rejected Mr. Yang’s request to cancel his administrative penalty and enforced a fine against Mr. Yang in 2019. 

Burmese Army Fires Weapons Targeting Churches in Chin State

As the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) continues to fight opposition in various states in Myanmar, more churches in Christian-majority Chin state fall victims to the armed attacks followed by looting by the Tatmadaw soldiers.

China: Former Three Self Pastor Detained for Two Years Without Trial

A Christian pastor who was once a preacher for a Chinese Three-Self church has been jailed for more than two years without trial.

Attack on Iraqi Christian Home Sparks Insecurity Fear

The home of a Christian shopkeeper was attacked with homemade bombs on November 28.

Ethiopia: Battle turned back; Terror unleashed

Prime Minister Abiy has certainly made some errors of judgement during this war with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Inspection of Indian Christians Disproves Forced Conversions Claim

A local government official in Karnataka state, India, tasked with conducting an investigation into alleged forced conversions to Christianity found no evidence to support such allegations.

Radical Hindutva Nationalists in Karnataka, India Threaten to Attack Prayer Meeting Again

A local government official in Karnataka state, India, tasked with conducting an investigation into alleged forced conversions to Christianity found no evidence to support such allegations.

Pakistan Church Leaders Condemn Priyantha Kumara Killing

Church leaders in Pakistan have condemned the killing in Sialkot, Punjab of a Sri Lankan factory manager who was accused of “blasphemy”.

Nigeria: Freed Head Boy of Bethel Baptist High School Praised for Leadership During Kidnap Ordeal

The head boy of Bethel Baptist High School, freed by kidnappers on health grounds after more than 150 days in captivity in the Nigerian bush, has been praised for his leadership and bravery.

Sixty-One Abducted Christians Released in Kaduna, Nigeria, but Violence Continues

The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced the release of 61 Christians abducted from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Kakau Daji in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state on December 3.

Christian Association of Nigeria Protests as US Removes Country From List of Religious Freedom Violators

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a statement strongly protesting at the US government’s decision not to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) on freedom of religion.