Persecution of Christians around the world
9.2.2021
Question for written answer E-000783/2021/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Silvia Sardone (ID)
The annual report by OpenDoors (World Watch List) on the persecution of Christians around the world was published on 13 January 2021. The figures are very worrying, as between 1 October 2019 and 30 September 2020 more than 340 million Christians were the victims of persecution: 4 761 Christians killed for their faith, or 13 every day; 4 488 churches or related buildings attacked or closed; 4 277 Christians arrested without trial or imprisoned (11 every day); 1 710 Christians abducted (four every day). Forced conversions and forced marriages involving women and girls are on the increase, as are instances of violence against children (abuse, forced marriages, trafficking and slavery).
In the light of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.what measures the Commission is taking to protect the Christian minorities suffering persecution around the world and to safeguard the right freely to profess ideas and beliefs in European states?
- 2.whether there are plans to introduce policies to take in and offer asylum to Christians, who would also find it easier to integrate in Europe?
- 3.what action the Commission will take against mosques whose imams preach messages of hatred and intolerance in Europe?