European Syriac Union and American Syriac Union appeal to US and EU governments to ensure protection of minorities during Syrian political transition
BRUSSELS / WASHINGTON, D.C. — The European Syriac Union (ESU) and the American Syriac Union (ASU) jointly addressed a letter to the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United States, expressing gratitude for their support of Middle Eastern Christians. The letter outlined nine key points to secure the future of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Christians and other minorities in Syria as the nation undergoes political transformation.
The ESU, ASU, and the Syriac Union Party (SUP) acknowledged the ongoing international attention to the challenges faced by Middle Eastern Christians, particularly in Syria. “We remain hopeful that the international community will continue to advocate for the rights and protection of Christians during this critical phase in Syria,” the letter stated.
The joint letter referenced a recent meeting in Rome focused on Syria’s crisis, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in ensuring the future of Christians and other ethnic groups in the region.
The organizations highlighted the enduring cultural legacy of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Christians in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia), one of the earliest communities to embrace Christianity. Despite centuries of persecution, displacement, and demographic upheaval in Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Christians have remained committed to preserving their identity and heritage.
As Syria begins a new chapter, the unions expressed optimism for a future marked by justice, stability, and the protection of their people’s rights.
Nine Key Points for Syria’s Future
The letter presented the following demands:
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- Recognition of Constitutional Rights: Acknowledgment of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people’s constitutional existence and their national, political, and cultural rights within a unified Syria.
- Language Recognition: Designation of the Syriac language as a national and official language in areas with significant Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) populations, given its historic role as Syria’s ancient tongue.
- Political Representation: Inclusion of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) political forces in Syria’s transitional process and governance institutions.
- Legal Reforms: Repeal of discriminatory laws targeting specific groups, including Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), and restitution of lands and properties seized during past conflicts with fair compensation for affected individuals.
- Preservation of Villages: Protection of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) villages, prevention of demographic changes, particularly in the Khabur region, and facilitation of displaced residents’ safe return to their homes.
- National Unity: Reinforcement of Syria’s unity and sovereignty, recovery of occupied territories through peaceful means, and promotion of equal citizenship based on the rule of law.
- Decentralized Governance: Adoption of decentralized governance to enhance inclusivity, protect cultural diversity, and ensure fair distribution of resources and development across all regions.
- Democratic Values: Establishment of a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state, guaranteeing freedom of belief and recognition of all religions, including Yezidism.
- Multiethnic State Recognition: Constitutional acknowledgment of Syria as a multiethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious state, with fair representation of Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Turkmen, and others.
The organizations also underscored the importance of human rights and transitional justice to promote national reconciliation and accountability. They advocated for meaningful representation of women and youth in state institutions and decision-making processes, ensuring their active participation in building Syria’s future.
The ESU and ASU concluded by reaffirming their commitment to working with the international community to secure a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future for all Syrians, while preserving the cultural and historical identity of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Christians and other minorities.