North Korea Remains the Most Dangerous Country for Christians, Says Report

According to a global report, North Korea is recognized as the most dangerous country in which to be a Christian, with severe repercussions for those who practice their faith. Timothy Cho, a spokesperson for Open Doors UK, shared his harrowing escape from North Korea at the age of 17 and explained how the government indoctrinates children to view the ruling Kim dynasty as divine figures.

In this oppressive regime, Christianity is deemed a grave offense known as a "crime of all crimes," often leading to imprisonment in labor camps or even execution for believers. The 31st annual World Watch List by Open Doors International reaffirms North Korea's status as the world's most hostile nation for Christians, echoing similar findings from other advocacy and rights organizations, as well as reports from the United Nations.

The UN's 2022 report indicated that the North Korean authorities do not tolerate any belief systems outside of their own, effectively criminalizing freedom of conscience. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom stated that the religious situation in North Korea remains among the most alarming globally, particularly for Protestant Christians, who face intensified state-sponsored persecution.

Adding to the challenges, North Korea has suffered serious food shortages exacerbated by natural disasters and the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam Holland, CEO of Open Doors Australia, urged the international community to consider the humanitarian impact of economic sanctions and explore alternative methods to provide aid without the risk of it being misappropriated by the military.

The report also highlights stories of defectors, like Joo Min, who fled to China, encountered Christian missionaries, and ultimately decided to return to North Korea to lead an underground church. Many North Koreans seek refuge in China, often aided by church organizations, before attempting to reach embassies in Southeast Asia.

Timothy Cho, who resettled in the UK, has since become a human rights advocate and actively engages with political groups regarding North Korean issues. The World Watch List also details that while many of the most dangerous nations for Christians have predominantly Muslim populations, North Korea leads followed by countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan.

The situation for Christians in Myanmar has also been highlighted in this year's report, listing it at number 13 due to ongoing civil conflict and violence against Christians. In contrast, Mexico was ranked 31, where organized crime has targeted church leaders and groups attempting to assist those affected by violence.