SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance MEP Nikolas Farantouris called for the “immediate and effective protection” of Christians in the Middle East, Syria, and Nigeria during remarks in the European Parliament.

Speaking in Wednesday’s plenary session, the Greek MEP, a member of the Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee, said tens of thousands of Christian civilians, as well as members of other ethnic and religious minorities such as Alawites in Syria, are being persecuted, displaced, or killed solely because of their faith.

He urged the European Union to treat the issue “as a major humanitarian crisis of international significance rather than a regional problem,” noting that Christians, Alawites, and Druze face persecution and killings in Syria by the regime and associated militias, and in West Africa by Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates.

Farantouris called for the protection of the “life and dignity” of every ethnic and religious community. He added that he has repeatedly pressed European leaders to respond decisively to the wave of persecution against Christians in the Middle East and Africa.

“Europe and the international community must protect these people. It cannot remain silent,” he said.