The EU presented a draft resolution calls for an independent investigation and ensuring the protection of religious minorities in Syria
The European Parliament called for urgent action to protect religious minorities in Syria, following the deadly attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on June 22, which killed at least 25 people and injured more than 60 others.
This came within a draft resolution submitted by the Leftist bloc in parliament, which called on the Syrian authorities to ensure the protection of all religious and ethnic groups and to put an end to sectarian violence, hate speech, forced displacement, and kidnapping. The resolution also emphasized the importance of restoring security and providing equal protection to all citizens.
Parliament stressed the need for an immediate, independent investigation into the attack on Mar Elias Church and other recent acts of sectarian violence in the country, with those responsible held accountable.
It also called for independent human rights organizations to be allowed into Syria to document and investigate violations.
The European Parliament called on EU institutions to develop a comprehensive plan to protect religious communities in Syria, while stressing the need to adhere to international law and human rights in dealing with the Syrian transitional government.
The resolution expressed its rejection of the policies of some European countries that have suspended asylum applications for Syrians or exerted pressure for their voluntary return, calling for an immediate reversal of these measures.
It also condemned what it described as the “expansionist ambitions” of both Israel and Türkiye, emphasizing that Syria’s stability is linked to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
The European Parliament members stressed the need to improve security measures in Syria, work to restore the church that was attacked, and provide full support to the families of the victims and the injured.
The European parliamentarians pointed to the escalating sectarian violence in various areas of Syria, such as Jaramana and Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside, in addition to the violence witnessed in coastal areas last March, which left more than 1,200 dead.
They emphasized that these events threaten the fabric of Syrian society and place minorities, especially Christians, in a fragile position.
The European Parliament reiterated its support for the political transition process in Syria, calling for a political process that includes transitional justice, combating impunity, and the formation of an inclusive government that respects human rights.
The representatives also proposed establishing a European fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Syria, conditional on actual progress on political and human rights issues, and in coordination with relevant international bodies.
In the same context, the resolution called for the organization of a “Dialogue Conference for Syria” as soon as possible, with broad representation from Syrian civil society to promote sustainable solutions.
The draft resolution emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and continuing international efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the al Hawl and al Roj camps, where the conditions of thousands of women and children remain a matter of international concern.
The European Parliament also called for continued sanctions against those responsible for violating freedom of belief, with additional measures targeting perpetrators of sectarian crimes in particular.
