Day 14
Morocco
Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi reiterated in a speech in Geneva that the protection and promotion of human rights are constant and irreversible choices for Morocco, and are reflected in the strengthening of the Kingdom’s adherence to UN human rights mechanisms. The delegation members expounded the programs and policies adopted for the empowerment of women, the reform of the family code, the preservation of the right to education, health and work, the fight against poverty, as well as the protection of women victims of violence, migrants, people with special needs and public freedoms. Pray that the social programs launched by Morocco to assist vulnerable categories, fight poverty and integrate all social groups in the socio-economic life. Pray for Moroccans to accept Jesus Christ who loves them and came in search of them (The Bible, Luke 19:10).
Source:
The Kingdom of Morocco stays 27th on the 2022 World Watch List for Christian persecution. The King of Morocco is Mohammed VI. This North African nation borders the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the north; it shares maritime borders with Portugal and Spain. Morocco borders Algeria in the east and Western Sahara in the south. The non-self-governing territory, claimed by Morocco, borders Mauritania in the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara. The average pressure on Christians in Morocco remains high. And for converts from Islam, the pressure is even higher. They can lose their inheritance rights or even custody of their children. Converts face opposition from family members, who do not want them to practice their new faith publicly—often, this means new Christians are not allowed to be baptized, married, or buried in a Church or Christian ceremony.

Day 14
Albania
Protests in both the UK and Albania drew attention to the reality many experience in Albania. More than 12,000 Albanians entered the UK this year looking for a new life. In Albania, people have been protesting the corruption, lack of job opportunities, and the fact that so many Albanians are leaving Albania. Anti-government rallies in the capital city have been demanding changes. Pray that those who are searching for hope may find it in Jesus this month as we celebrate Christmas. May the good news of Jesus Christ be preached and may it touch hearts (The Bible, Luke 15:10).
Source: ‘We all want to leave’: poverty, not crime, fuels the urge to flee Albania (The Guardian)
Albania was once the poorest nation in Europe but has been working hard to transform its economy in the last decade. Regardless of the devastating earthquake in November 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Albania made a robust recovery during 2021, though the war in Ukraine may slow the progress this year. Despite having a well-known mob, Albania made notable steps in combating drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. The process of Albania’s accession to the European Union is ongoing. Under Communist rule, no religion was allowed. Now, Islam claims twice as many followers as Christianity. Christian Believers enjoy worshipping openly in a country that once restricted religious freedom, although, most who claim Christianity are reported to be nominal in their faith.
