Minority Profile: Egypt’s Christians

Though a legally protected minority, Christians face several challenges, including limits on the construction and maintenance of churches. Converts to Christianity are often harassed by the state and by private citizens, and Christians are subject to blasphemy charges.

Christians in rural areas are especially vulnerable to criminal acts, and the state often fails to enforce relevant laws, allowing for perpetrators’ impunity, preferring instead to convene “customary reconciliation sessions” where Christians rarely receive justice.

Christians are underrepresented in government institutions, particularly the security sector.