At a high-level conference in the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by Miriam Lexmann, a Slovakian MEP, Open Doors International presented it’s World Watch List 2024 report on the persecution of Christians worldwide.

The statistics presented were harrowing:

• 365 Christians worldwide have suffered persecution for their faith in the past year.
• 4,998 Christians were murdered for their faith in 2003. Nigeria remains the deadliest place to follow Jesus; 82% of killings happened here.
• Some 10,000 churches were closed in China. Those that remain open must display signs reading, ‘Love the Communist Party, love the country, love the religion.’
• The above figures represent only the tip of the iceberg.

The full report is available HERE.

Delegates also heard shocking personal testimony from victims of persecution – whose names and images cannot be shared publicly – who had suffered having converted from Islam to Christianity.

One of the most contentious issues that constantly comes before the European Parliament concerns Pakistan.

The country enjoys what is known as GSP+ status, which means it receives preferential trading terms with the EU.

This status is highly prized by developing nations as it gives both political and economic benefits to the recipient.

The status is given subject to the recipient meeting high standards in the area of human rights.

Pakistan, despite its constant human rights violations – many apparently justified by its Blasphemy laws – continues to enjoy GSP+ status.

The European Parliament has consistently challenged this situation, repeatedly calling upon the European Commission to suspend the status in order to pressure Pakistan to repeal the laws.

The European Commission has repeatedly ignored the will of Parliament.

During the conference the issue of Pakistan’s continued GSP+ status was raised by Joseph Janssen, a lawyer working with the Jubilee Campaign, in the Netherlands.

After the event EU Today were able to interview Mr. Janssen.

Read also: Brussels Press Club: conference backs European Parliament call for suspension of Pakistan’s GSP+ trading status with EU over human rights abuses