Peoples most under threat – highest-rated countries 2019 Rank Country Groups Total 1 Syria Political targets, Sunnis, Shi’a/Alawites, Yezidis, Christians, Druze, Kurds, Palestinians 28.820 2 Somalia Minorities incl. Bantu, Benadiri and ‘caste’ groups (Gabooye etc.); clan members at risk in fighting incl. Hawiye, Darod, etc. 23.116 3 South Sudan Murle, Nuer, Dinka, Anuak, Jie, Kachipo 21.571 4 Afghanistan Hazara, Pashtun, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Baluchis, Kuchis 20.529 5 Iraq Shi’a, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkmen, Christians, Mandaeans, Yezidis, Shabak, Faili Kurds, Bahá’í, Palestinians 20.394 6 Dem. Rep. of the Congo Hema and Lendu, Hutu, Luba, Lunda, Tutsi/Banyamulenge, Batwa/Bambuti, other groups 20.289 7 Sudan Fur, Zaghawa, Massalit and others in Darfur; Ngok Dinka, Nuba, Beja 20.284 8 Yemen Zaydi Shi’a, Sunni tribes, al-Muhamasheen, Southerners 19.804 9 Pakistan Shi’a (incl. Hazara), Ahmadis, Hindus, Christians and other religious minorities; Baluchis, Mohhajirs, Pashtun, Sindhis 18.313 10 Central African Muslims, Christians; Kaba (Sara), Mboum, Mbororo, Gula, Aka Republic 17.718 11 Libya Black Libyans, Sub-Saharan migrants, Tebu, Berbers; religious targets 17.705 12 Ethiopia Anuak, Afars, Oromo, Somalis, smaller minorities 17.462 per cent of the country has been controlled by various armed groups, which in some cases have established their own governance structures. Clashes between these groups, as well as frequent attacks on civilians, state authorities, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian aid workers have continued. The total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has reached 655,000 while almost 600,000 others have fled the country, the highest numbers in five years. In February 2019 the government and 14 armed groups signed a peace accord aiming to end what has become a civil war, but the situation in the country remains highly volatile. Tensions in Iran are on the rise, as worsening economic conditions, official corruption and the continued repression of political and social freedoms Peoples under Threat 2019 have led to numerous anti-government protests, ongoing at the beginning of 2018 and reigniting in July. At least 30 people have died and thousands have been arrested by security personnel. While Facebook and Twitter have been banned since they were used to organize demonstrations in 2009, in April 2018 authorities added Telegram to the list as well. Economic and political pressures are growing more acute due to the US reimposing several sanctions on Iran that were previously lifted as a result of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran continues to repress and discriminate against religious minorities such as Bahá’í and Christians, including converts from Islam who have been imprisoned for ‘missionary work’. Iranian security forces continue to be involved in frequent 7