Research & Advocacy

Research and Advocacy are important aspects of the work that we do, helping us understand where persecution is happening, what is driving it, and how it is being carried out so we can meet the needs of our persecuted family and advocate for them before those in power. We advocate on behalf of our persecuted church family, in order to bring about an end to the structural injustices that perpetuate persecution. 

Open Doors works year-round collecting and analyzing data, seeking to identify where, why and how Christians experience persecution around the world. Using this data, we then identify the 50 most dangerous countries to live in as a Christian and publish our findings as the World Watch List.  

Along with our World Watch List research, we regularly publish country specific policy briefs which identify key sources and provide policy recommendations to help address the issue.  

Read the research. Get informed. Get involved.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.”– Proverbs 31:8 

The Latest Research and Advocacy Reports

Nigeria Policy Briefing

The latest briefing from Open Doors explores trends that point to two divergent futures for Nigeria: In one, violence continues to escalate, deepening displacement and suffering for all communities, including Christians. In the other,  strengthened government action, supported by sustained international engagement, begins to reverse cycles of insecurity and open a path toward stability and the return of internally displaced people.
Download the report

Sudan Policy Brief

Sudan is experiencing a protracted armed conflict following the October 2021 military coup, which reversed limited progress on human rights and restored the influence of military actors and policies previously associated with the persecution of Christians
Download the report

Myanmar Policy Brief

The latest research identifying systematic persecution and oppression against Christians in Myanmar.
Download the report

Pakistan Policy Brief

Recommendations on protecting the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
Download the report

Speak up for the persecuted Church

Across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the church is suffering extreme violence – millions have been displaced, harmed, and worse. And no one is talking about it. 

Sign the Arise Africa Petition today to speak up for your persecuted family. Our goal is One Million Signatures to present to the United Nations, requesting that the plight of our persecuted family be recognized.

Add your voice today

This Giving Tuesday, you can support struggling christians in NIgeria

Ongoing attacks have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced—many of them followers of Jesus.

Open Doors partners are working with local believers to help. Your gift today can help provide urgent aid to families who have lost everything in the attacks

A Giving Tuesday gift of $80 can provide vital emergency relief for a Christian family in Nigeria.

An emergency relief pack includes food, medicine, and clothes.

Give a Gift today

This Giving Tuesday, support struggling Christians in Nigeria

Ongoing attacks have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced—many of them followers of Jesus.

Open Doors partners are working with local believers to help. Your gift today can help provide urgent aid to families who have lost everything in the attacks

A Giving Tuesday gift of $80 can provide vital emergency relief for a Christian family in Nigeria.

An emergency relief pack includes food, medicine, and clothes.

Give a gift today

YOUR YEAR-END GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!

Persecution is growing, and so are the needs of persecuted believers. More Christians need Bibles, discipleship, trauma counselling, and relief aid as they face violence, displacement, and loss. 

Your support will empower persecuted believers through Bibles, training, relief aid, trauma counselling, and more. 

And thanks to a generous donor, your gift will be matched up to $120,000 so that every dollar has double the impact!

Give a Year-end gift

Your year-end gift will be matched!

Persecution is growing, and so are the needs of persecuted believers. More Christians need Bibles, discipleship, trauma counselling, and relief aid as they face violence, displacement, and loss. 

Your support will empower persecuted believers through Bibles, training, relief aid, trauma counselling, and more. 

And thanks to a generous donor, your gift will be matched up to $120,000 so that every dollar has double the impact!

Give a year-end gift