Situation of persecuted Christians in the Middle East

The situation of Christians in the Middle East remains critical, with a marked decline in the Christian population in several countries in the region due to religious persecution, armed conflict and political instability. In countries such as Syria, Iraq and Egypt, Christian communities, which have millennia-old roots, face a harsh reality of violence, discrimination and forced displacement.

In Iraq, since the US invasion in 2003 and the subsequent emergence of the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS), the Christian population has declined dramatically. From around 1.5 million Christians living in the country before the war, only approximately 250,000 remain today. ISIS committed genocide against Christians in northern Iraq, forcing them to flee their homes, destroy churches and kill thousands. Although the group has been defeated territorially, many Christians who escaped have not returned due to insecurity and lack of reconstruction.

In Syria, the civil conflict that began in 2011 has also had a devastating impact on Christian communities. Although some Christians support the government of Bashar al-Assad, others have fallen victim to radical Islamist groups that control areas of the country. Persecution has led to a mass exodus of Syrian Christians, who seek refuge in other Middle Eastern countries or Europe.

Egypt, with the largest Christian community in the region, the Orthodox Copts, has also been the scene of violent attacks. Islamic extremist groups have attacked churches, and Christians often face institutionalized discrimination. Despite government attempts to improve the situation, Copts remain vulnerable.

The persecution of Christians in the Middle East continues to be a major humanitarian crisis, and even more so since recent events in the area. The ongoing war and Israel’s actions in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon are increasingly harming Christians in these areas, and the situation currently shows little sign of improving in the short term.