Persecution of Christian students in hostile countries: An obstacle to education

In several countries where Christians are a minority, students face significant challenges in educational institutions because of their faith. According to data published by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), released in October 2024, persecution of Christians has increased in 18 key countries between 2022 and 2024, severely affecting their access to education.

In nations such as Pakistan, Egypt and Nigeria, Christian students are subject to systematic discrimination. In Pakistan, for example, Christian girls face the risk of kidnapping and forced conversion to Islam, disrupting their education and violating their fundamental rights.

In Egypt, although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, in practice, Coptic Christian students often suffer harassment and marginalization in schools and universities. This discrimination manifests itself in exclusion from school activities and the imposition of curricular content that does not respect their faith.

In Nigeria, especially in the north of the country, extremist groups such as Boko Haram have attacked Christian schools, kidnapping students and destroying educational facilities. These acts of violence seek to discourage education among the Christian population and spread fear.

In addition to physical violence, social pressure and institutional discrimination limit educational opportunities for Christians in these countries. The lack of protection by the authorities and the impunity of the aggressors aggravate the situation, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and vulnerability.

International organizations and human rights groups, such as SIT, urge the governments of these countries to guarantee safety and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their faith. Education is a fundamental right that must be protected to foster inclusive and tolerant societies.

The international community also has a crucial role in promoting religious freedom and protecting persecuted minorities. It is imperative that effective measures are implemented to ensure that Christian students can access education without fear of discrimination or violence.