NEWS PROVIDED BY
Coptic Solidarity
June 9, 2025

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Coptic Solidarity will host its 13th Annual Conference, titled Uprooted & Endangered: Defending the Religious Minorities of the Middle East in Washington, D.C., June 11-12.

With the dwindling communities of faith minorities throughout the Middle East, and recent massacre of Alawites and Christians in Syria, Coptic Solidarity will focus this year’s  conference on the threats facing Christians and other religious minorities in the region.

There are numerous shared challenges. Only by working together can these minority groups help preserve the multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and multicultural fabric which requires urgent protection and will contribute to establishing modern, nation-states in the region.

Coptic Solidarity’s president, Caroline Doss JD, explains, “ We are honored to partner with likeminded organizations, facing similar challenges in their homelands, as well from powerful foreign lobby and influence operations in Washington, DC. Together we are building greater synergy to break through persistent disinformation and to bring greater accountability to those who persecute and discriminate against religious minorities in the Middle East.”

On Wednesday June 11, advocacy teams from partner organizations will have legislative meetings to share joint challenges and policy recommendations.

Coptic Solidarity, Jubilee Campaign, Canadian Yazidi Association, and the Assyrian International Council are co-hosting a Congressional briefing titled Gendered Persecution: Targets of Forced Conversion at 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in the Longworth House Office Building 1539. USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck, US Rep. Jim McGovern, and US Rep. Brad Sherman will be speaking at this briefing, in addition to experts who will place a spotlight on the crime of abduction, forced conversion, and abuse of women from minority faiths in Egypt, Pakistan, and Iraq.

Coptic Solidarity will again host the Annual Policy Day on June 12 in the Cannon Caucus Room, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM  thanks to  the sponsorship of US Rep. French Hill, a longtime champion of Coptic equality.

Highlights of the Policy Day include presentations by US Rep. French Hill, US Rep. Mike Lawler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Former Congressman Frank R. Wolf,  and sessions with experts focusing on Foreign Influence in US Policy, Indigenous Minorities of the Middle East, The Crisis for Christians in Syria, and Regional Focus on North Africa. The event will also feature author and academic, Dr. Candace Lukasik, Islam expert and author, Raymond Ibrahim. A special session will feature leading researchers, activists, and authors Joseph Janssen of Jubilee Campaign and Voice for Justic, of the report focused on Pakistan, Conversion without Consent, and Sonja Dahlmans, author of Coptic Solidarity’s report Hidden Crimes Public Deception: The Epidemic of Abductions and Forced Disappearance of Coptic Women and Girls.

The events on June 11 and 12 are open to the public and press. Lunch will be provided for attendees of the Policy Day on June 12. Please register in advance on Coptic Solidarity’s website.

Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help minorities, particularly the Copts of Egypt. We support those in Egypt working for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens, and advocate in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarité Copte). For more information, contact Lindsay Rodriguez at 801-512-1713 or coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org

SOURCE Coptic Solidarity

CONTACT:  Lindsay Rodriguez, 801-512-1713, coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org