Christian childhood under siege: children victims of the global rise in religious persecution

The persecution of Christian children in various parts of the world has intensified, and recent figures reveal an alarming situation that demands urgent attention. According to Open Doors International’s “World Watch List 2025” report, more than 380 million Christians faced “high levels” of discrimination or violence because of their faith between October 2023 and September 2024, an increase of 15 million compared to the previous year.

Children, in particular, are among the most vulnerable victims. In Kauru County (Kaduna State, Nigeria), on August 24, 2025, an attack attributed to Fulani herders resulted in the deaths of seven Christians, five of whom were children (ages 12, 5, 1, 9, and 15).

Another report documents that in a single Christian community in Nigeria, more than 300 people died in just three months, including dozens of children.

These events occur within a broader context: Christian persecution in Nigeria has resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and approximately 7,800 abductions between January 1 and August 10, 2025, according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law.

Christian children suffer not only murder and abduction, but also forced displacement, destruction of their communities, denial of access to education, and threats of forced conversion. A report by the Barnabas Aid fund notes that in regions such as the Sahel and Myanmar, Christian children “are turned away from schools or victims of bombings in displacement camps.”

Analysts warn that these attacks are driven by a combination of religious extremism, land disputes, and authoritarian regimes that restrict religious freedom.

In conclusion, while millions of Christians suffer persecution, Christian children are particularly vulnerable: killed, abducted, displaced, or deprived of fundamental rights. This reality demands a coordinated international response, greater public visibility, and special protection for vulnerable children due to their faith.