Report says millions of Christians displaced by persecution

A new report says millions of Christians are being forced from their homes by religious persecution around the world. The study, Persecuted and Forgotten, was published by Aid to the Church in Need. It says the oppression of Christians is a growing global human rights crisis, driven by extremist violence, authoritarian government and conflict.

The report gives stark figures for two countries. In Nigeria, at least one million Christians have been displaced. In Syria, the Christian population has fallen by more than 80% since 2011. One survivor said: 'They immediately asked us to convert and when we refused they started beating us.'

John Pontifex, head of press and public affairs at Aid to the Church in Need, said the report makes a direct link between persecution and migration. He said religion is often an under-represented factor in migration debates. After visiting Nigeria early last year, he said Christian communities had fled Islamic extremism and banditry. He said many attackers showed contempt for Christians and saw them as easy targets.

The report says authoritarianism remains the leading form of persecution. It names China and North Korea as hostile states. Pontifex said some governments treat the nature of Christianity as a fundamental threat to the nation state. He also pointed to Islamic fundamentalism in Nigeria, Egypt and Pakistan, Buddhist fundamentalism in Burma and Hindu nationalism in India.

Key findings include:

• Nigeria: at least one million Christians displaced.
• Syria: Christian population down by more than 80% since 2011.
• Authoritarian states: China and North Korea.
• Islamic fundamentalism: Nigeria, Egypt and Pakistan.
• Other religious fundamentalism: Burma and India.

On China, Pontifex said Catholic priests are still arrested, held in prison and given fake trials. He said the church has tried to build bridges between registered and unregistered Christian communities, while the Vatican's approach will only be judged over time. He said restrictions have tightened since his 2007 visit, when children were seen at church services. Regulations in some regions now stop under-18s from attending.

The discussion ended with a call to remember persecuted Christians around the world.