Persecutions

Persecution is the persistent and systematic mistreatment of individuals or groups based on their ethnicity, religion, nationality, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity markers. It includes discrimination, harassment, deportation, imprisonment, torture, and other acts that threaten life or dignity. Persecution can be carried out by states, non-state actors, or international institutions, and may be codified in laws, decrees, or social practices that target specific groups. It can occur prior to or during armed conflict and often leads to displacement and asylum-seeking.

Historically, religious persecution occurred in various regimes, including medieval Europe against Jews, and more modernly the Nazi regime's persecution of Jews and other groups. Ethnic persecution includes Armenian genocide during WWI, and ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia. In recent decades, concerns include persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar, Uyghurs in China, and other minority communities worldwide.

Under international law, persecution is recognized as a crime against humanity when part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. International responses include human rights monitoring, asylum policies, targeted sanctions, and accountability mechanisms. The aftermath includes displacement, loss of livelihoods, and long-term social division. Protection and relief include humanitarian aid, refugee status determinations, and documentation.