Strasbourg, 10 March 2025
In response to the grave situation for minorities in Syria, Željana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament and Co-Chair of the EPP Group Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, spoke at the opening of the plenary session in Strasbourg to call for urgent international attention and action.
Syria is experiencing an alarming surge in violence, with ruthless assaults on defenceless civilians, including women and children. Reports highlight that homes have been ransacked, property plundered, and entire communities thrown into chaos. This ongoing brutality has only intensified the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people, sparking urgent calls for peace and reconciliation.
Multiple sources indicate that both the Alawite population and Syria’s shrinking Christian community have been deliberately targeted in recent days. Extremist factions associated with militant groups have reportedly executed civilians, including women and children. Furthermore, Christian families have endured brutal killings and violent raids at the hands of armed militants who have stormed homes, seized belongings, and claimed innocent lives.
The Christian Churches in Syria vehemently oppose these acts of aggression that jeopardize societal harmony and security. They strongly denounce the slaughter of innocent civilians—actions that starkly defy fundamental human and moral principles. The Churches demand an immediate end to the bloodshed and stress the importance of upholding human dignity and preserving national solidarity. They call for a political transition that guarantees equal rights for all citizens, fostering an inclusive society built on partnership and mutual respect—free from retaliation and discrimination. Additionally, they firmly reject any attempts to divide the nation.
Zovko stated she stands in solidarity with the Christian community in Syria and echoes the appeals of the Churches for peace and justice.
She also urged all stakeholders to bring an immediate end to the violence and actively pursue peaceful resolutions that uphold human rights and safeguard Syria’s social fabric. Zovko calls on the EU and the international community to take decisive action in support of stability and humanitarian relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, including Christians and other affected communities.
Highlighting the dire situation of Christianity in the region, Zovko warned: “Christianity in Syria and in some other parts of the MENA region is at a critical crossroads. It will either endure, or it will vanish, leaving behind a profound religious, ethnic, and cultural void. Europe must not remain indifferent to this existential threat.”
As part of this commitment, Zovko continues to work closely with relevant EU bodies and fellow policymakers to ensure concrete measures are taken to protect religious minorities and promote a peaceful and pluralistic future for Syria.