Religious Freedom and Rule of Law in Syria

Religious Freedom and Rule of Law in Syria

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: 

Syria Country Update – This report highlights how the Syrian transitional authorities have failed to protect freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and implement rule of law to protect religious minorities. Both state and nonstate actors have committed acts of sectarian violence, including extrajudicial killings against Alawis, Druze, Christians, and other religious groups. Similarly, the Islamic State group continues to threaten FoRB in Syria, attacking houses of worship and killing worshipers.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Syria as a Country of Particular Concern for particularly severe violations of religious freedom. In 2025, USCIRF published an issue update on post-Assad Syria and held a hearing on religious freedom conditions in Syria.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].