2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Berlin focuses on religious freedom and rights of minorities in Beth Nahrin

BERLIN — The 2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief took place in Berlin last week, bringing together ministers and officials from various countries. The conference saw participation from representatives of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) institutions and political parties from across Europe and Beth Nahrin.

The conference was centered on the challenges faced by minorities and the significant role that religious freedom plays in shaping social life.

On the first day, various academic studies were presented, including a key study by the International Organization for Religious Freedom. One notable participant was Issam Behnam Matti, the mayor of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya), Iraq, who discussed the conditions of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in Iraq. Matti highlighted the challenges his people face, their fundamental rights, and the critical need for international support.

In this speech, Mayor Isaam Bahnam Matti of Hamdaniya, Iraq, reflects on the challenges and successes since his election in 2016, particularly rebuilding efforts in Qaraqosh after liberation from ISIS. @TempletonRelig @irfsecretariat #BerlinFoRBelief 1/3 pic.twitter.com/aiPmquaTL9

— Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) (@lyn_community) October 9, 2024

The second day of the conference focused on several key topics, including insights shared by minority organization representatives. A major theme was the situation of minorities in the Middle East and the importance of peaceful coexistence among different communities.

Nazira Goreya, representing the Syriac Union Party (SUP), emphasized the importance of recognizing the legitimate political and religious rights of minorities, especially the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. She also called for increased political support for the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), which actively works to safeguard the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities.

Other notable attendees included European Syriac Union (ESU) Co-Chair Manuela Demir and Rima Abraham, an officer for information and humanitarian aid, both of whom contributed to the discussions on minority rights and protection.