WORLD WATCH LIST

Afghanistan

#10

If a Christian’s faith is discovered, it can be a death sentence.

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“In the difficult Taliban regime, we face challenges, but with strong faith we persevere.”

– Khada*

Country
Profile

Region: Asia
Sources of persecution: Islamic Oppression
Population: 43,373,000
Christian population: Thousands
Religions: Islam
Leader: Taliban Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada
Score: 85

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Christians in Afghanistan can be handed a death sentence for following Jesus. The Taliban remain in control and still exercise wide-ranging religious authority throughout the country.

The international community has seen the scope of the Taliban’s brutal rule since the group took power in August 2021. Islamic law has been increasingly enforced as a direct result. Leaving Islam is considered shameful by family and community, and conversion is lawfully punishable by death.

Most Afghan Christians are converts from Islam, and practising their faith openly is impossible. If converts are discovered, the family, clan, or tribe may try to preserve its “honour” and deal with the convert through pressure, violence, or even death.

If a convert’s faith is discovered by the government, many Afghan believers have no other choice but to try to flee. Women and ethnic minorities experience additional oppression, so Christians among these groups live under unthinkable pressure.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Converts from Islam are most vulnerable to persecution in Afghanistan. They make up the majority of Afghan Christians, placing the underground church at risk across the entire country.

There is no safe place in Afghanistan for followers of Jesus. Existing house churches remain deeply underground, Christians live under relentless pressure, and the discovery of their faith can still lead to abuse and even death at the hands of both family and government.