WORLD WATCH LIST

Syria

#18

Syria’s instability puts Christians at great risk of violence and displacement.

“We are Christians, and in times like these, we find strength in our unity. We know that God is with us, and He will guide us through this darkness.”

– Secret Believer

Country
Profile

Region: Middle East
Sources of persecution: Dictatorial Paranoia
Population: 24,348,000
Christian population: 579,000
Religions: Islam
Leader: President Bashar al-Assad (till fall of government in December 2024)
Score: 78

The World Watch List research period was from 1st October 2023 to 30 September 2024. These findings may not reflect the reality of life in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024.

What’s Life Like For Christians?

Syria has a historic Christian community that is less pressured by the Assad government. But Christians from other denominations, and especially those from Muslim backgrounds, face great danger. They are treated with suspicion by the authorities and risk being disowned or even killed for bringing shame on their families.

Though most of Syria is now under government control, pockets of conflict with rebels continue. Many of these rebel groups are Islamist extremists. They forbid public expression of Christianity and have demolished or taken over most church buildings and monasteries, even those belonging to the traditional Christian community.

The legacy of Syria’s takeover by the Islamic State group can still be seen. Large numbers of Christians have fled their homes and are now in Internally Displacement Camps or have left the country. While some believers have returned to rebuild their lives and communities, there are still far fewer than there used to be.

In areas controlled by Kurdish forces, there has been more tolerance, with people allowed to legally become Christians. But Turkish forces invading these areas have committed terrible violence against Christians and Yazidis (Kurdish religious minority), raiding, and destroying Christian communities that were previously safe.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Rising crime, increased corruption, growing religious discrimination, and political instability are fuelling fear among Christians. These conditions put women and girls from religious minority group—including Christians—at risk of abduction and sexual assault both in rebel-held and government-controlled areas.

Church leaders have been targeted by Islamist extremists for political and financial reasons. Several remain missing. Kidnapping leaders undermines the Christian community, prompting many to flee.