Syria--Christian Persecution in Syria

Middle East: Syria Country Report Last Updated: April 2002 Code: Not Rated (Click here for a code description.)
	(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Syria.) List of Articles Last Updated: October 25, 1999

Religious Atmosphere: Sunni Muslims make up approximately 74% of the population while other Muslim sects, such as Shi'as, Druze, Alawites, Ismailis and Yazidis, make up 16% of the population. About 10% of the population is Christian, with most of these being Orthodox and Uniate churches of different confessions. Small numbers of Protestants and Jews also reside in the country.

• Certain Islamic and Palestinian groups like the Islamic Brotherhood and Liberation Party are active in the country.

• The constitution provides for the freedom of religion.
     
• There is no state religion, but the President must be a Muslim.
     
• Religious groups and sects must register with the government. All fundraising activities are monitored. A group must obtain a permit to hold any meeting other than its regular worship service. It has been reported that the government attempts to control most places of worship and monitors sermons and worship services.
     
• Proselytizing is not illegal, but it is discouraged.
     
• Religious instruction is mandatory in schools. The instruction must come from government- approved teachers and curriculum.

Recent Actions: No government sponsored acts of religious persecution have been witnessed.

Prisoners: There is no evidence that prisoners are being held for their Christian beliefs at this time.

• Pray for the Christians of Syria that they may continue to be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
• Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and wellbeing of the Christian community in Syria Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
• Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Syria asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
• Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at ICC@persecution.org.

*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national government of Syria and the current human rights situation. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact us by e-mail at ICC@PERSECUTION.ORG. Thanks.

POSTED:  April 3, 2002

ICC Articles on Syria: