Five out of six Iraqi Christians have fled the country since the outbreak of war in 2003.

Anti-persecution charity Open Doors is pushing the government to aid faith leaders in Iraq and Syria to better-help Christians that have remained in the Middle East and are not taking refuge in the organised refugee camps.

Lisa Pearce, from anti-persecution charity Open Doors, told Premier half of the Christians in Syria have left the country since 2010.

She told Premier the people that stay are "fully aware of the risks they are under," but remain to "serve those around them."

Open Doors is asking the government to use Christian and Muslim faith leaders to distribute aid through their networks, as well as through the usual channels like non-governmental organisations and the United Nations, because many Christians are too fearful of persecution to go near organised refugee camps.

Open Doors is calling for:

- Christians' and other minorities' right to equal citizenship

- Dignified living conditions for all

- A role in reconciliation and rebuilding society.

Rami, a Syrian Christian, told Premier people do not want to be seen as victims, "I ask you not to call us a minority," he said.

Christians are "indigenous to the land," he said many people are hopeful and want to stay and help rebuild their country.

"Christians I know, given the choice, would rather stay in the Middle East," he said.

He said he knows believers with degrees and visas to live in Europe that are remaining because they want to "build their future."

Rami told Premier people feel "betrayed" by their neighbours and mistrust is growing amongst communities.

He asked the UK government to help protect Christians so that they do not become hopeless.

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Rami here:

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Lisa Pearce here: