Each year, Open Doors publishes the World Watch List , ranking the 50 countries where practicing the Christian faith is most dangerous. The latest 2026 list paints a shocking and sobering picture: persecution of Christians is becoming increasingly brutal year by year across the globe. More than 388 million people are suffering severe or extreme persecution, meaning that one in every seven Christians worldwide is affected in some form.
In 2025 alone, solely because of their faith: 4,476 Christians were killed, 4,712 were arrested, and 7,679 churches or Christian-owned properties were attacked.
The Open Doors report also highlights the regions where persecution is escalating most rapidly. Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are currently the most affected areas, where armed conflicts and religious intolerance are part of everyday life.
Syria has seen a dramatic deterioration: in just one year, it jumped from 18th to 6th place on the list of the most dangerous countries for Christians. Due to increasing political radicalization, the lives of Syrian Christians are now in direct and immediate danger.
Nigeria remains one of the bloodiest hotspots: 72% of all Christians murdered for their faith worldwide lose their lives in this single country.
Hungary, however, refuses to remain silent. Through the Hungary Helps Program, it stands firmly in defense of the persecuted and provides assistance where the need is greatest. The program supports survivors through psychosocial care and financial aid.
In recent years, we have rebuilt desecrated churches and community spaces in Syria, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, launched income-generating programs for persecuted families, and provided emergency assistance to the relatives of victims.
It is important to emphasize that support under the Hungary Helps Program is not exclusive. Our development projects serve entire local communities, regardless of religious or ethnic background. Our goal is not only to help those who are persecuted, but also to create the conditions for peaceful coexistence and long-term self-sufficiency.
