Although Bhutan is officially a secular state, it is deeply associated with Buddhism, and citizens are often expected to follow this faith. Converts to Christianity face significant discrimination and social pressure to renounce their beliefs, particularly in close-knit rural communities where suspicion can be reported to authorities. Religious gatherings and baptisms are often conducted in [...]
A new study by the Pew Research Center shows that Morocco is one of the least religiously diverse countries in the world. Almost the entire population is Muslim, and very few people follow other religions. This includes Morocco’s provinces in Western Sahara, where Islam also dominates. The study used a “Religious Diversity Index” (RDI) to [...]
The government has full control over the freedom of religion and belief in the country. Religious organizations must register with the government and operate under the management of government-appointed management boards. If they refuse, the government considers them to be ‘evil religions.’ The police keep a close eye on such religious groups, investigate their activities, [...]
In Laos, Christians face serious persecution under the country’s Communist government and strong local traditions. The government officially recognizes only three churches: the Lao Evangelical Church, the Catholic Church, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Other Christian groups must meet secretly. Many churches do not have permanent buildings, and baptisms are often not allowed in public, [...]
The Christian faith in Vietnam has been growing under the radar during the years of warfare, suffering, and transition. During the Vietnam War, the number of churches was small, and some Christians needed to disband or go underground. There was a time of difficulty in Vietnam after the war, and religion was under close observation. [...]
Authorities in Vietnam are continuing to pressure members of unregistered Montagnard house churches, according to Boat People SOS. The harassment increased in August and September after some house churches in Dak Lak Province observed the International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence on Religion or Belief on August 22. These believers also refused to join the [...]
The Christian faith in Vietnam has been growing under the radar during the years of warfare, suffering, and transition. During the Vietnam War, the number of churches was small, and some Christians needed to disband or go underground. There was a time of difficulty in Vietnam after the war, and religion was under close observation. [...]
Christians in Israel face different kinds of pressure depending on their background. Most Christians are Arab Christians, and many say they feel like second-class citizens because they are both Arab and a religious minority in a Jewish state. They are also a minority among Arab Muslims and feel more isolated as religious tension grows. Many [...]
Human rights organizations are deeply concerned about the forced return of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap from Thailand to Vietnam on November 28, 2025. Bdap is a peaceful Christian activist from the Montagnard Indigenous community in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. He has worked to document human rights abuses against his people and to promote religious freedom. [...]
Religious minorities in Saudi Arabia, including Shia Muslims, Christians, and Jews, continue to face deep discrimination and intolerance. The newly appointed Grand Mufti, Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan, has made many hateful statements about the religious minorities, calling them “enemies of Muslims” and denying their faith. His words spread division and hostility instead of peace and harmony. [...]