14Iraq

Iraq remains plagued by conflict, despite the recent territorial losses of so-called Islamic State (IS), and this continues to gravely affect the country’s minority Christian population.

Many Christians are also seriously affected by intolerance and persecution perpetuated mostly by militant Islamic groups and non-Christian leaders. They also face discrimination from government authorities.

In central and southern Iraq, Christians often don’t publicly display Christian symbols as this can lead to harassment or discrimination at checkpoints, universities, workplaces and government buildings.

Christians from a Muslim background often keep their faith a secret, as they risk being threatened by family members, clan leaders and their local community. Converts risk losing their inheritance rights and the right or means to marry.

What changed this year? Iraqi politicians have passed a bill to make Christmas Day a national holiday, and a committee has been set up to enable Christians displaced by the IS insurgency to return to their homes (more than 80% have fled the country since 2003). However, many Christians are reluctant to return home, as they don’t yet feel the environment is conducive for a safe and prosperous return.