COMMON ANALYSIS | Last update: December 2025
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI reports and query: COI Update, 5.; Country Focus July 2025, 2.4.5.; Country Focus March 2025, 1.3.4.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
There is no official statistical data available on the current number of Christians in Syria. However, estimates indicate a significant decline in their population, from approximately 10 % of the total population prior to the outbreak of the conflict in 2011, to around 2 % at present, corresponding to roughly 300 000 individuals. Christian communities are primarily located in and around the cities of Aleppo, Damascus, Hama, Homs, and Latakia, as well as in the Hasaka governorate and the Jazira region, which is under the control of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES).
The Transitional Government has pledged to uphold minority rights and has appointed a Christian woman as minister. In Kurdish-controlled areas, Christians are generally able to openly express and exercise their religious beliefs. However, there have been several religious motivated attacks in Damascus, Hama, Homs, and Latakia governorates.
Step 1: Do the reported acts amount to persecution?
Besides an isolated attack at the Greek orthodox Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus and rare instances of abductions of women (see also 4.10. Women and girls), acts reported to be committed against Christians do not amount to persecution.
More precisely, reports describe several incidents targeting Christian symbols and places of worship such as an arson attack by an unidentified perpetrator and looting by unidentified men of property belonging to members of the Christian community. Insults and threats at residents of Christian towns were also reported. Christian communities report a general sense of uncertainty and fear for their religious freedom, safety and ability to practice their faith openly.
Step 2: What is the level of risk of persecution?
Given that acts of persecution against Christians seldom occur, well-founded fear of persecution would only be substantiated in exceptional cases. Therefore, each case must be assessed individually taking into consideration the most recent information available.
Step 3: Is there a ground for persecution?
Where well-founded fear of persecution is substantiated for an applicant under this profile, this is highly likely to be for reasons of religion.