UNHCR: Four individuals fled their homes due to religious persecution in Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Central African Republic, and Iraq. The challenges they faced and the assistance provided by UNHCR, emphasize the urgent need for support to help refugees rebuild their lives.
India Today: The Indian government has announced that they will provide emergency visas to Afghanistan refugees fleeing the country from the Taliban. They plan to prioritize the evacuation of minority Sikhs and Hindus. Approximately 15,000 Afghan Sikhs live in Delhi after having fled religious persecution.
Christian Today: Christians in Afghanistan are living in great fear after the Taliban’s rapid takeover. The organization, Release International, warns of a likely increase in attacks towards anyone who identifies as Christian. A spokesperson from Release International expresses that, with advances in the Internet and women’s education, the church is better resourced and equipped to handle the challenge than before.
Washington Examiner: Religious symbols have a strong role in reducing violence and fostering harmony and social cohesion. Despite this, attacks against houses of worship, religious leaders, and objects of spiritual significance are common in conflict zones in Africa. Authors James Carr and Frederick Davie express the importance of the role of the U.S. government in working with African governments and international partners to prioritize the safety of communities of faith.
Vancouver Sun: A rising number of asylum seekers coming to Canada from India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China are claiming to be victims of religious persecution. Many of the 60,000 migrants who entered into Canada in 2019 are claiming either political or, increasingly, religious persecution, according to an internal report by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Religious Refugees