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In Kazakhstan, religious freedom is heavily restricted by the country's Religion Law, dating back to 2011. The government continually tightens its control over society, leading to increased surveillance, raids on meetings and arrests. They use the threat of militant Islam to justify these restrictions.
Russian Orthodox churches face fewer issues since they typically don’t engage with the Kazakhstani population. Indigenous Christians with a Muslim background suffer the most. They face persecution from both the state and their own families, friends and communities. Some converts are locked up by their families, beaten and eventually expelled from their communities. Local imams also preach against them, further isolating these converts.
In Kazakhstan, all Christian communities can face rights violations by government officials, regardless of location. However, converts to Christianity experience the most intense pressure from family, friends and the community, especially in rural areas. This pressure is less severe in urban settings, where they may have more anonymity and support networks.
"[My family] started to force me to say [the Islamic statement of faith], to renounce my faith, my Christianity. But I said: ‘No, I know my God—it's Jesus. I believe He is God. I’m a Christian; I’m not a Muslim."
Ailin*, a believer in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has jumped nine places on the 2025 World Watch List since last year. This is primarily caused by a higher violence score. Across the board, pressure on followers of Jesus remains very high. Religious freedom is restricted by legislation dating back to September 2011. The Kazakhstan government has been increasing its control over the whole of society, which has led to heightened surveillance, raids on meetings and arrests.
Open Doors helps Christians in Central Asia* who face persecution for their faith. They provide immediate aid and support by distributing literature, prayer, training and various social and economic projects such as rehabilitation centres.
* For security reasons, the name Open Doors cannot be associated with certain activities in this country. When communicating about projects in this country do not use the country name, instead use the region name: Central Asia.
Heavenly Father, we ask You to walk with our family in Kazakhstan as they trust and follow You no matter what. Please protect our Kazakhstani sisters and brothers from abuse in their homes, unjust court cases and the misuse of regulations against them. We ask You to shield church leaders from government surveillance and make a way for every believer to have their own copy of Your Word. We pray with confidence knowing that You can and will use Your Church to bring Your Word to all those who desire to know You deeply. In Your name, we ask all these things, Amen.