Cuba is the worst country in Latin America in the persecution index to Christians

Cuba is the worst country in Latin America in the religious persecution index according to the most recent Open Doors Mission report, an organization that supports persecuted Christians worldwide.

The island occupies The 26th position, of 50, where Christians face some form of religious persecution. The investigation was carried out between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.

The text points out «new violent incidents against Christians» in the midst of the crisis in Cuba. It also points out the numerous obstacles faced by shepherds and their families with the authorities.

The evangelical pastor Mario Félix Lleonart Barroso, of the Patmos Institute, said that they are since 2020 among the external experts consulted by the organization to prepare the list.

«Cuba not only remains on the list, but occupies position number 26. Cuba was several years out of this list but 2022 returned with number 37,» he said and pointed out how «repression has increased.»

According to the study, more than 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination due to their faith, which means that 1 in 7 Christians is persecuted.

In addition to Cuba, the worst countries are Nicaragua, in position 30, and Colombia, in 46th place.

For the third consecutive year, North Korea headed the list. Since 2002, the country has been number one every year, except 2022, when it took second place behind Afghanistan.

Last September, the United States International Religious Freedom Commission (USCIRF) warned that the violations of religious freedom in Cuba were «particularly serious» in 2024.

«The Government uses its repressive legal framework to strictly control religious associations and criminalize religious activities and expressions,» said the independent entity, created by the United States Congress in 1998.