Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
As Syria’s civil war rages on, minority faith communities face relentless repression and persecution. Religious groups such as Christians, Yazidis, Druze, and others have been caught between the violence of extremist factions and the heavy hand of government repression. 

Many members of these communities have fled, while those who remain endure harassment, discrimination, and the destruction of their religious and cultural heritage. This erosion of religious pluralism further deepens Syria’s humanitarian crisis. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Syria has long been home to diverse faith communities, coexisting uneasily under authoritarian rule. The Assad regime positioned itself as a protector of minorities, especially Alawites and some Christian groups, while suppressing dissent across society. 

The outbreak of war in 2011 shattered this precarious balance. Extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Nusra Front targeted minority faiths for enslavement, forced conversions, and executions. Meanwhile, the government used minority communities as political pawns, offering protection in exchange for loyalty while punishing dissent. 

Page 3 — Forms of Repression 
Minority faiths in Syria have faced repression in multiple forms: 

- Targeted violence: massacres, kidnappings, and executions by extremist groups. 
- Destruction of heritage: attacks on churches, monasteries, mosques, and shrines. 
- Forced displacement: entire communities uprooted from ancestral homelands. 
- Discrimination: unequal access to resources, jobs, and political power. 
- Government control: manipulation of religious leaders to maintain loyalty. 

These practices have left minority faiths vulnerable and fractured. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For individuals, brutal repression means loss of safety, faith, and cultural identity. Families have been driven abroad, often separated in the process, while those remaining live under constant fear. 

For Syrian society, the weakening of minority faiths erodes its historic pluralism and cultural richness. The targeting of minorities contributes to cycles of sectarianism, weakening prospects for reconciliation. Internationally, Syria faces criticism for failing to safeguard religious freedom, while neighbouring countries bear the burden of displaced communities. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting religious minorities in Syria is essential for rebuilding peace and stability. 

Key steps include: 
- Accountability: prosecute crimes against religious minorities in international courts. 
- Protection in exile: expand refugee programmes for persecuted communities. 
- Reconstruction with inclusion: ensure minority voices in political and social rebuilding. 
- Cultural preservation: safeguard religious heritage and traditions. 
- Global cooperation: strengthen humanitarian efforts supporting vulnerable faith groups. 

Until these protections are enforced, minority faiths in Syria will continue to endure brutal repression, and the country’s rich religious diversity risks permanent destruction.