Iraq

How are Christians persecuted in Iraq?

• Different Christian denominations, such as the Assyrian and Chaldean churches, are all seriously affected by discrimination and violence from militant groups and government authorities. In central and southern Iraq, many Christians avoid displaying religious symbols due to fear of harassment.
• Christian men in Iraq face significant job discrimination, especially in the public sector. Those in central and southern Iraq are pressured to leave their jobs, particularly if they work for foreign organisations or hold high positions. In the north, Christian men struggle to find employment and often face exploitation.
• Christian women are often perceived as ‘loose’ and face sexual harassment and threats, especially in the workplace and on public transport. They may need to wear veils for safety in some areas.
• Female converts from Islam face severe violations, including house arrest, beatings and even death, often from their own families. They cannot legally marry Christian men, as they are still considered Muslims by the state.
• Priests and Christian leaders face travel restrictions, harassment at checkpoints, threats of imprisonment, kidnapping and death, especially in the Nineveh Plains. Speaking out against political leaders or militias can make them targets.

Why are Christians persecuted in Iraq?

• Iraqi Christians face increasing pressure from various groups, especially since the rise of Iran-backed Shia militias following the so-called Islamic State group’s territorial losses.
• While Islamic State still poses a threat, attacks from Turkey and Iran (airstrikes and ground operations) have devastated predominantly Christian villages, forcing many to flee and leaving communities empty.
• Pressure on converts from Islam is intense, often forcing them to hide their faith. In 2023, two converts faced severe backlash after sharing their beliefs online.
• Recently, after a decision of the Iraqi government, the Kurdish Regional Government cut parliamentary seats for religious minorities, diminishing their representation.

Who is particularly vulnerable in Iraq?

• Violations against converts, especially those from Islamic or tribal backgrounds, are more frequent in Arab areas than Kurdish ones. While Kurdish regions were once more tolerant of non-Muslims, this tolerance is decreasing due to the growing influence of conservative Islam, leading to increased pressure on converts from Islam.
• The situation is particularly challenging for Christians in the south and centre of Iraq, where most have left, except for small groups of converts from Islam and a few Christians from non-convert backgrounds.

What has changed in Iraq in the past year?

• Iraq has fallen one place on the World Watch List, with a very slight decrease in persecution score.
• The pressure on Christians remains at an extreme level – and the score for violence continues to be very high. Widespread corruption and lack of real protection continue to undermine their rights and stability.
• There seems to be less tolerance for Christians even in areas where they were previously more welcome, such as in the Kurdistan region. Without meaningful reforms and guarantees of Christian rights, many fear the exodus of Christians from Iraq will continue unabated.

“Without your support, we wouldn’t have restored this house. Without your help, we wouldn’t be sitting here.” – Rawa and Rawqa, helped by Open Doors partners

How can I help Christians in Iraq?

Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Iraq. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.

Open Doors’ local partners strengthen the church in Iraq with training, trauma care, the delivery of Bibles and Christian books, livelihood projects and microloans, help to rebuild homes and churches, and crisis relief.