AAUS Welcomes Introduction of Protection of Syrian Ethnic and Religious Minorities Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2026

AAUS Welcomes Introduction of Protection of Syrian Ethnic and Religious Minorities Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Alawites Association of the United States (AAUS) welcomes the introduction of the Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act by Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07) on October 15, 2026. The legislation presents an important opportunity to advance accountability for serious human rights abuses while supporting the vision of a peaceful, stable, and inclusive Syria where all religious and ethnic communities can live, participate, and thrive.

As Syria navigates a critical period of transition, the United States has an opportunity to support a future grounded in security, equal protection under the law, and respect for the rights of all Syrians. Realizing that future requires addressing ongoing reports of violence and persecution, ensuring meaningful inclusion of minority communities in governance, and holding accountable those responsible for—or complicit in—atrocities that threaten the country's stability and reconciliation.

The legislation directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to Congress within 90 days identifying senior Syrian officials and affiliated individuals credibly alleged to have participated in, directed, facilitated, or concealed serious human rights abuses or acts of persecution against religious and ethnic minorities.

Reports of sectarian violence, unlawful detention, enforced disappearances, abductions, extrajudicial killings, forced displacement, and other abuses underscore the importance of credible investigations and effective accountability. These concerns, alongside questions about minority inclusion and compliance with conditions associated with U.S. sanctions relief, warrant continued engagement between the Syrian interim authorities, the Department of State, and Congress.

“We believe Syria has an opportunity to build a future in which every community—regardless of religion or ethnicity—can live in safety, dignity, and freedom. We welcome Congressman Mackenzie’s leadership in advancing a targeted approach to accountability that reinforces this vision. Our objective is not to see broad-based sanctions imposed on Syria or to hinder its recovery. Rather, it is to ensure that the individuals responsible for, or complicit in, ongoing atrocities cannot continue to act with impunity. Holding those individuals accountable is not contrary to Syria’s progress; it is essential to building the trust, security, and stability that lasting progress requires,” said Dr. Morhaf Ibrahim, President of the Alawites Association of the United States.

AAUS also underscores the importance of transparency regarding the conditions associated with the lifting of U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Continued reporting on these conditions is essential to evaluating progress on minority protection, accountability, and inclusive governance. The Department of State and Congress have a clear interest in reviewing the required information and assessing whether commitments and expectations are being met. Timely, substantive reporting by the Syrian authorities would help build confidence, inform U.S. policy, and strengthen the prospects for constructive engagement.

AAUS encourages bipartisan congressional support for the legislation and continued diplomatic engagement that advances both accountability and opportunity for Syria. A successful transition must protect vulnerable communities, ensure meaningful minority participation in public life, and establish credible mechanisms to investigate and prosecute serious abuses.

Syria’s future should be defined not by the persecution of its communities, but by their ability to coexist, contribute, and thrive. AAUS believes that principled diplomacy, targeted accountability, and transparent oversight can help advance that future—one in which all Syrians enjoy equal dignity, security, and fundamental rights.

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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Alawites Association of the United States

Dr. Morhaf Ibrahim, President of AAUS

Email: info@AlawitesAssociation.org

Phone: 202.599.4459

Website: www.alawitesassociation.com