One of the most important dates in the parliamentary calendar is the launch each January of the Open Doors World Watch List. Every year, the World Watch List ranks the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian, recognising where Christians face the most extreme persecution around the world.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Open Doors’ research into countries where Christians face the greatest persecution. Indeed, the work of Open Doors is as important as ever, with more than 360 million Christians experiencing high and extreme levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
At the event myself and almost 100 other parliamentarians, including the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, heard powerful testimony from persecuted Christians around the world including from North Korea, India and East Africa.
It was North Korea that placed ‘top’ of the World Watch List 2023. Open Doors found how Christians in that country are oppressed through the pervasive surveillance of the state. If someone is discovered to be a Christian they can be arrested, sent to a ‘labour’ camp, or even tortured or executed. In 2020, North Korea introduced a new ‘Anti-Reactionary Thought’ law. This goes to formally criminalise any published materials of foreign origin in the country; including the Bible.
I was struck listening to those who spoke at the event, including how 75 years of totalitarian rule in North Korea “hasn't succeeded in destroying hope, faith or love.”
Open Doors’ findings also highlighted how China is intensifying persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, not least through digital persecution. The Beijing regime uses disinformation, censorship and surveillance to extend its repression of Christians. It is using technology to control and coerce behaviour through its Social Credit System and is more widely legitimising persecution around the world. We have seen China use digital persecution as part of its oppression of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has reiterated that the right to freedom of religion or belief remains a key human rights priority. The UK is right to take a lead. Last July, the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief took place in London; bringing together over 800 faith and belief leaders and human rights actors, as well as 100 government delegations to agree action to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.
In Parliament the day after this year’s launch, the Leader of the House of Commons reinforced the Government’s commitment to the freedom of religion or belief.
As Crawley MP and a member of the UK Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee I will continue to stand up for the freedom of faith.
Henry Smith MP