European Syriac Union calls for global action to protect Christians of Malula and Syria’s diverse communities amid rising sectarian threats

BRUSSELS — The European Syriac Union has issued urgent calls to the international community, highlighting both the severe threats to the historic town of Malula (Maaloula) and the ongoing human rights violations committed by extremist groups against Syria’s diverse communities.

In a statement published on its official platforms, the ESU emphasized the critical need to safeguard Malula, a town recognized as a vital part of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Christian heritage. Located northeast of Daramsuq (Damascus), Malula is one of the last places where Western Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken. It is home to renowned religious and cultural sites, including the Monastery of Saint Thecla and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus — one of the world’s oldest churches. The town suffered significant damage during the Syrian Civil War, particularly after being captured by the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014. Although liberated, Malula continues to face challenges in its reconstruction and the preservation of its historical landmarks.

The ESU called for international efforts to ensure the safety of Malula’s residents and the preservation of its cultural legacy, underscoring the town’s significance not only to Syria but to global heritage.

Raise your voice for Malula ! #Malula #Syria #chrétiendorient #christian #aramean #syriac #assyrian #HumanRights pic.twitter.com/We88A4J4qZ

— EuropeanSyriacUnion (@esu_int) December 29, 2024

Additionally, the ESU condemned the actions of the new Syrian government and affiliated armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army, who have been responsible for ongoing violations and atrocities targeting Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities. In particular, the ESU highlighted recent crimes committed against Alawites and expressed concern over the broader implications of these acts. The ESU warned that such violations pose a threat to all cultural and religious groups across Syria, including Syriacs–Assyrians, Kurds, Armenians, and other minorities who do not align with the extremist ideologies of these Salafist groups.

The ESU called on the international community, regional powers, and Syrian political actors to take immediate action to address these ongoing human rights abuses and to safeguard the rights and safety of all Syrians. The statement concluded with a firm assertion: “All people in Syria have the right to live in safety and dignity. It is imperative to work collectively to uphold and guarantee these rights for all.”