Australian Family First Party calls for national recognition of 1915 Sayfo Genocide

MELBOURNE — The Family First Party has joined the growing call for the Australian government to recognize the Sayfo Genocide, perpetrated against the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), Armenian, and Pontic Greek peoples between 1915 and 1923.

The party officially acknowledged that the atrocities committed against these three communities constitute genocide and has urged the government to follow suit, joining dozens of other nations, including the United States, in recognizing the events as genocide.

The party underscored that these atrocities occurred during the Gallipoli military campaign, with Australian prisoners of war witnessing the brutal acts committed against Christian civilians.

Family First is a member of the Joint Justice Initiative, a coalition of political parties and organizations representing the three affected communities in Australia. The initiative aims to secure global recognition of one of the most devastating genocides of the 20th century.

The party emphasized that formal acknowledgment by the Australian government would contribute to healing the intergenerational trauma experienced by descendants of survivors and witnesses.

With 100 candidates contesting the upcoming federal elections on May 3 and additional candidates running for Senate seats across Australian states, Family First has pledged to push for official recognition of the Sayfo Genocide if it secures parliamentary representation.