Bethnahrin National Council issues a statement on the 108th anniversary of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide

BETH NAHRIN — On the 108th anniversary of the Sayfo Genocide, committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Syriac-Assyrian-Chaldean-Aramean people, the Presidential Committee of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) issued a statement.

The statement noted that the Sayfo Genocide was committed by the Union and Progress Party in the Ottoman Empire with a number of Kurdish clans.

The MUB statement declared that more than 2 million Syriacs and Armenians were killed in this Genocide, and hundreds of thousands were displaced, as well as tens of thousands were forced to convert into Islam.

“Human history became a witness to this massive crime. So far, the perpetrators of that brutal Genocide are not held accountable as required. This human tragedy was carried out before the eyes of all international powers. But, because of their interests, accountability was delayed. The current Turkish government, which is a continuation of the Ottoman Empire, denied having committed the genocide,” read the MUB statement.

The statement indicated that the wounds of the Genocide have not been healed yet, and its impact has been transmitted through generations and caused great pain and community refractions.

Due to this Genocide, the national and cultural movement of the Syriac people was scattered and their will was destroyed. Many countries of the world recognized the Genocide, but the ruling authorities in Turkey still maintain the policy of denial and continue with the mentality of genocide.

The MUB stated that it has been struggling against the denial mentality for 30 years. It called on the world opinion to recognize this Genocide, after presenting documenting videos and forums preparations. This is the MUB national and social mission.

The statement indicated that the MUB is still calling for accountability of the perpetrators who continue their policies of extermination.

“Until the Sayfo Genocide accountability, the MUB political and diplomatic work with national forums, organizations and democratic activities are continuing,” read the statement.

In order to confront the new genocides, we must all show strong position and call on public opinion to pressure the countries that did not recognize the Sayfo Genocide.

“Syriac people, who commemorate their martyrs, must know that by national struggle for freedom, obtaining rights, and demanding accountability, we can get rid of the negative impact of the Sayfo Genocide. We must always remember the Sayfo martyrs and participate in their remembrance events,” the MUB concluded.