Mackenzie Introduces Legislation to Protect Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Syria

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced the Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act, legislation aimed at strengthening accountability for human rights abuses and persecution targeting religious and ethnic minority communities in Syria. 

The legislation comes amid continued reports of violence, religious persecution, unlawful detention, forced displacement, and other human rights abuses targeting minority populations in Syria, including Christian and Alawite communities.

"Reports of violence and persecution against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria are deeply concerning, and those responsible for these abuses must be held accountable," said Congressman Mackenzie. "This legislation is necessary to strengthen congressional oversight, identify individuals responsible for serious human rights violations, and ensure the United States is using the tools available to hold perpetrators accountable. Protecting religious freedom and fundamental human rights must remain a priority as Syria navigates its future."

“The introduction of the Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act by Congressman Ryan Mackenzie is an important step toward ensuring that the persecution of Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities is not ignored and that those responsible for serious human rights abuses are held accountable. For Alawites and other vulnerable communities, accountability is essential to preventing further violence, protecting innocent civilians, and securing a future grounded in dignity, equality, and the rule of law. We are grateful to Congressman Mackenzie for his leadership and urge Congress to support meaningful measures that protect all Syrians, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. The future of Syria must be one in which no community lives in fear because of its identity,” said Dr. Morhaf Ibrahim, President, Alawites Association of the United States (AAUS). 

“The future of Syria’s Christian communities and their ancient heritage depends on whether those who persecute Christians and other vulnerable communities are held accountable. The Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act provides an important framework to identify those responsible for serious abuses and pursue targeted consequences against them. IDC strongly supports Congressman Mackenzie’s leadership in ensuring that the United States remains engaged in protecting Syria’s vulnerable communities and making clear that religious persecution will not be met with silence or impunity,” said Richard Ghazal, Executive Director, In Defense of Christians.

“Syria cannot build a legitimate and stable future while Christians and other religious and ethnic communities continue to face persecution, exclusion, displacement, or fear because of their identity. For Syria’s indigenous peoples and communities—including Christian Syriacs/Assyrians, Armenians and Rum, as well as Kurds, Druze, Alawites, Yezidis, Jews, and other vulnerable groups—survival in their ancestral homeland cannot depend on promises alone; it requires security, accountability, equal participation, and the protection of their identity, heritage, and historic presence. The Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act sends an important message: those responsible for persecution, forced displacement, extrajudicial killings, forced religious conversions, and other serious abuses must face consequences. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Ryan Mackenzie for his leadership and for standing with Syria’s persecuted communities,” said Robert Ozgun, President, American Syriac Union. 

The Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act would require the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to Congress within 90 days of enactment identifying senior Syrian officials and affiliated individuals credibly alleged to have participated in, facilitated, or concealed serious human rights abuses against religious and ethnic minorities.

The legislation would also require a determination of whether targeted measures should be imposed under existing U.S. sanctions authorities. These measures could include asset freezes, visa restrictions, and other financial or immigration-related penalties against individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses.

Congressman Mackenzie has also engaged with members of the Syrian-American community throughout the Lehigh Valley and worked with congressional colleagues to raise concerns about religious persecution and the treatment of vulnerable populations in Syria.

The bill is supported by In Defense of Christians, the American Syriac Union, and the Alawites Association of the United States.

Read the full bill text HERE. 

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