GROUND REALITY

A key initiative of the Thomas in Winslow Group, shines a light on the struggles of Christian minorities in conflict zones from Sudan and Syria to Iraq and Pakistan. Through firsthand accounts and on-the-ground investigations, we deliver fact-based insights to inform politicians and governments worldwide, driving awareness and action for those most in need.

Christian minorities across conflict zones face an uncertain and often perilous existence, marked by discrimination, violence, and a lack of fundamental freedoms. In Sudan, despite recent political transitions, Christians continue to face systemic marginalisation and hostility. Church buildings are destroyed, permits for worship are routinely denied, and believers are often treated as second-class citizens. 

In Pakistan, the situation is similarly dire. The country’s notorious blasphemy laws are frequently weaponised against Christians, leading to false accusations, imprisonment, and mob violence. Entire communities live under the shadow of fear, as blasphemy allegations can escalate to violence, with homes burned and lives destroyed. Beyond the legal framework, Christians face economic marginalisation and social exclusion, often relegated to menial labor and denied access to equal opportunities.

The situation in Syria, meanwhile, presents a different but equally troubling reality. With the collapse of the Assad regime and the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have gained control, plunging Christian communities into uncertainty. Once vibrant Christian neighborhoods now stand abandoned, with families fleeing due to fear of persecution under Islamic militant rule. Reports from the region indicate confiscation of property, restrictions on religious practices, and an atmosphere of intimidation. Amid the chaos, Syria’s once-diverse cultural and religious fabric is fraying, and the plight of Christians is largely overlooked by the global community.

At Ground Reality, we document these challenges through firsthand accounts and on-the-ground investigations. By bringing these stories to light, we aim to inform policymakers and inspire action to protect these vulnerable communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.