Khabur Victims Forum committee meets with American researcher Joshua Colangelo-Bryan to strengthen transitional justice efforts

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), North and East Syria— In a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and achieving transitional justice in Syria, the Khabur Victims Forum committee held a meeting on Wednesday with American lawyer and researcher Joshua Colangelo-Bryan. The meeting was attended by committee members Ruba Farihat, lawyer Faya Shamoun, and Rubel Bahho, marking a pivotal moment for collaboration and advancing justice for the Syriac-Assyrian and Christian communities affected by the Syrian conflict. 

The meeting began with a brief overview of the committee, its goals, and the tasks it undertakes. Discussions centered on the challenges faced by the Syriac-Assyrian and Christian communities during the political crisis that followed the fall of the Syrian regime. Violations they endured and mechanisms for achieving transitional justice and holding those responsible for crimes accountable were also addressed. 

Participants discussed the genocide that targeted the Syriac-Assyrian population in the Khabur region at the hands of ISIS militants, which involved mass killings and forced displacement. The Khabur region, once teeming with Syriac-Assyrian villages, suffered devastating attacks. The committee members briefed the American researcher on the details of their work, which includes documenting crimes, organizing forums to highlight the Khabur case to local and international organizations, and strengthening ties with rights bodies to support the cause. 

Colangelo-Bryan expressed his full support for the committee’s mission, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination to ensure justice and security for Christian Syriacs in Syria. He stated, “The suffering of Christians and Syriacs-Assyrians reflects a broader struggle for justice and equality. We must work to eliminate the fears and concerns facing these communities and ensure their rights are enshrined in Syria’s future constitution.” He also stressed the need for cooperation with local and international organizations to ensure peace and stability in the region. 

Joshua Colangelo-Bryan: a distinguished career in human rights 

Joshua Colangelo-Bryan is a renowned American human rights lawyer at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. He is recognized for his work defending detainees at Guantanamo Bay and supporting victims of human rights violations worldwide. Colangelo-Bryan’s career is characterized by a focus on transitional justice and developing mechanisms for legal accountability in conflict zones. His partnership with the Khabur Victims Forum committee is a valuable addition to the local community’s efforts in this area. 

The future of transitional justice 

The meeting concluded on a positive and optimistic note, with participants emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and intensifying efforts to secure the rights of Syriac-Assyrian and Christian communities in Syria’s constitution. They also stressed the need to engage international institutions to support transitional justice efforts. 

The Forum represents more than just an initiative to document crimes; it serves as a platform for building partnerships with international organizations and integrating marginalized voices into Syria’s future legal framework. With a shared vision of peace and coexistence, the forum reflects the local capacity to confront major challenges. 

As Syria looks toward a brighter future, partnerships such as these provide a gateway to real change, ensuring justice and reconciliation while enhancing the position of Syriac-Assyrian people and Christian communities within Syria’s national fabric.