On 4 March 2026, the Permanent Mission of Hungary organized a High-Level DIscussion with regards to the prosecution of christians, during the event, participants addressed the alarming rise in the persecution of Christian’s around the world, that affects more than 380 million people today, especially women and children. In this event, representatives from the Holy See, Hungary and the Sovereign Order of Malta, discussed the urgent need to break the silence surrounding this crisis, as well as asking for protection of Christian communities and the right of freedom of religion on the basis of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann in her statement emphasized that the Sovereign Order of Malta is deeply committed to supporting persecuted Christians and other religious minorities, focusing on protecting human dignity and promoting religious freedom. She highlighted that persecution is alarmingly rising, particularly in historic Christian regions such as the Middle East, driven by factors like political instability, forced displacement and legal discrimination. H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann pointed out how the Order addresses these challenges through humanitarian relief, medical care, infrastructure reconstruction, refugee support, and diplomatic advocacy amongst other measures, while fostering interfaith dialogue and social cohesion.