Religious freedom conditions across Pakistan continue to trend negatively. The systematic enforcement of blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, and authorities’ failure to address forced conversions of religious minorities—including Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs—to Islam, severely restrict freedom of religion or belief.

Source: Indian Sikh pilgrims are seen during their visit at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, RUETERS / Soomro

Religious freedom conditions in North Korea are among the worst in the world. The North Korean constitution nominally grants freedom of religious belief, but it also prohibits the use of religion for “drawing in foreign forces or for harming the State.” Anyone caught practicing religion or even suspected of harboring religious views in private is subject to severe punishment, including arrest, torture, imprisonment, and execution.

Source: A rally celebrating the success of a recent nuclear test is held in Kim Il Sung square, REUTERS / KCNA

Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria remain poor, with both state- and societally perpetrated violations. The federal government continues to persecute the leadership and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMNi), a Shi’a minority group. Additionally, there are widespread instances of intercommunal and militia violence, rampant kidnapping, and general criminality that also prevent religious freedom.

Source: Catholic faithfuls, led by bishops, march during a protest over unending killings of Nigerians in Abuja, RUETERS / Sotunde