EU Parliament passes resolution calling for cover of Christians in Syria

The European Parliament has passed an urgent resolution demanding increased protection for Christians and other minorities in Syria.

The resolution condemns, and is the direct results of, the suicide bombing of the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Damascus last month.

Twenty-five people were killed within the bombing, which is believed to have been the work of a splinter group of Islamist radicals, although other sources claim members of Syria’s security services were involved.

Syria is currently dominated by HTS, an Islamist offshoot of al-Qaeda. Despite its origins, the group has been keen to portray itself as inclusive and unthreatening towards Christians and other minorities.

However, apart from the church bombing, there have been other incidents of significant sectarian violence. In March, lots of of Alawites were massacred, although whether this was with the support of the federal government or merely a sign that they lack the ability to rein in all of the armed factions within the country is unclear.

Christian advocacy group, ADF International, welcomed the European Parliament’s resolution calling for increased protection for religious minorities and more motion against violent extremism.

Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International, said, “This resolution marks a vital step toward constructing international momentum to guard Christians and other religious minorities in Syria.

“The European Parliament is correct to demand accountability, not just for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of spiritual persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations.” 

The resolution also demands that the Syrian government make sure the Mar Elias church is rebuilt.

ADF has raised concerns that Christians in Syria are reportedly subject to increased levels of discrimination in each private and non-private sector employment. Stories of harassment and intimidation are also on the rise, increasing fears that Syria’s historic Christian population may disappear over time through emigration.