Christians in Nepal: A community at risk from growing religious persecution

The situation of Christians in Nepal has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Although the country adopted a new constitution in 2015 that guarantees religious freedom, Christians, who make up about 1.4% of the population, face harassment, discrimination, and increasing legal restrictions. The Christian community in Nepal remains a vulnerable minority in a majority Hindu society, and recent laws have made their freedom of worship and religious activities more difficult.

One of the main challenges is the Blasphemy Law, which prohibits any kind of proselytism and criminalizes religious conversions. This legislation, passed in 2018, allows any act perceived as an attempt at conversion to be punishable by imprisonment and substantial fines. Although the law theoretically applies to all religions, in practice, it disproportionately affects Christians, limiting their ability to share their faith and restricting their freedom of religious expression.

In addition to legal obstacles, Christians also face violence and social discrimination. Religious tensions have grown in rural communities, where local Hindu leaders sometimes view Christians as a cultural threat. Reports of physical assaults, destruction of property, and threats toward Christians have increased, especially in remote areas where religious minorities do not have adequate protection from the authorities.

International organizations and human rights groups have drawn attention to this situation, urging the Nepalese government to respect religious freedom and provide security guarantees for all religious minorities. However, the government faces internal pressure to strengthen Hindu identity in the country, making it difficult to implement inclusive policies.

Amid these challenges, Nepal’s Christian community continues to practice their faith quietly, hoping for a change that will allow them to live without fear and with true religious freedom.