The Pakistani government’s systematic enforcement of blasphemy laws severely restricts freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, particularly targeting Ahmadiyya Muslims. Authorities’ failure to address mob violence associated with blasphemy accusations, as well as the forced conversions to Islam of individuals from religious minorities—including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs—continues to reinforce a climate of fear and religious discrimination. 

North Korea’s ruling ideology, Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, treats religion as an existential threat. Punishments for defying draconian religious restrictions include forced labor, prison, torture, and execution. North Korean refugees in China face severe punishment upon repatriation if they engage in religious activities, including contact with Christian missionaries and NGOs. Authorities harshly punish traditional shamanistic practices and youth caught engaging in religious activities. 

Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria are particularly severe as the government continues to tolerate, inadequately respond, or fail to hold FoRB violators accountable. Multiple nonstate actors regularly kill, kidnap, and attack Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists. Schools, missions, and houses of worship are targets for Entities of Particular Concern and other non-state actors. Twelve northern states enforce blasphemy laws against atheists and others.