Condolences loss of our fellow Syriac brothers and sisters, Support & Cooperation
To His Beautitude Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan,
Your Excellency, it is with much grief that we heard the heartbreaking news about the recent terrorist act in the name of Islam against our Syriac Catholic congregation in Baghdad. By all means, the Syriac Universal Alliance sharply condemns this cowardly attack.
Request for Appointment on Forthcoming Resolution on Turkey’s 2010 Progress Report
Dear Mrs. Oomen-Ruijten,
On 6 January 2011, I wrote you in relation to your Draft Motion for a Resolution on Turkey’s 2010 Progress Report (“Draft Motion”). The letter offered a humble proposal of three amendments and four new articles by the Syriac Universal Alliance. They all directly pertain to the endangered yet neglected position of the Aramean (Syriac) people
Thank you letter to PM Erdogan
Thank you letter to PM Erdogan for selecting the 85-year old Aramean (Syriac) female woman artist from Mardin, Nasra Çilli, as woman of the year on International Women’s Day 2012
Södertälje
Sayın Başbakan,
şu günlerde Mardin’e yaptığınız gezi sırasında, Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar Bakanlığı ile Mardin Artuklu Üniversitesinin 8 Mart Dünya Kadınlar Günü dolayısıyla düzenlediği ''Büyüyen Türkiye, Güçlenen Kadınlar'' programında Mardin'deki girişimci kadınlara ödül verdiniz.
Comments and Amendments for Draft Resolution on Turkey’s 2010 Progress Report
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Syriac Universal Alliance (“SUA”) refers to the Draft Motion for a Resolution on Turkey’s 2010 Progress Report written by Mrs. Ria Oomen-Ruijten and dated 25 November 2010 (“Draft Motion”). We understand that the deadline for tabling amendments to the Draft Motion is 18 January 2011, and wish to provide our critical comments and proposed amendments to the Draft Motion.
Congratulations on Installation of New Governorship in the Mardin Province
To His Excellency Turhan Ayvaz, Governor of the Mardin Province
Dear Mr. Ayvaz,
On behalf of the Syriac Universal Alliance (SUA) and all its Member Federations in Europe, the USA and Australia, it gives us great pleasure to extend our warmest congratulations on Your installation
The Aramean Roadmap: 7 Steps to a Peaceful, Inclusive, and United Syria
As Syria begins to rebuild after years of conflict, its ethnic and religious minorities hold the key to preserving the country’s diverse cultural heritage and achieving lasting stability. The Arameans, Syria’s oldest indigenous people, have played a central role in the region’s 3,000-year history and offer a compelling perspective on how inclusivity, cultural preservation, and community engagement can contribute to a brighter future for Syria.
This position paper, “7 Essential Policy Recommendations for Syria’s Future,” reflects the voice of the Aramean Christians. It outlines actionable proposals to recognize, safeguard, and empower Syria’s minorities, particlarly the Arameans and their Aramaic language, ensuring their vital role in Syria’s rebuilding process.
A Snapshot of Our 7 Key Recommendations
1. Constitutional Recognition: Include the Arameans and their Aramaic language in Syria’s constitution, affirming their place in the nation’s history and future.
2. Rights and Protection for Minorities: Establish robust mechanisms to protect minorities from violence, discrimination, and marginalization.
3. Inclusive Governance: Build a non-sectarian goverment that ensures fair representation and participation of all ethno-religious groups.
4. Syrian-Led Political Transition: Support a democratic process led by Syrians, centralize authority, and safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity.
5. Safe Return and Reconstruction: Facilitate the safe return of displaced communities, particularly the vulnerable Arameans, and rebuild their cities, villages, cultural institutions, and religious sites.
6. Preservation and Promotion of Aramean Heritage: Protect Aramean sites, integrate their language and history into education, and foster tourism to support local economies.
7. Empowering the Aramean Diaspora: Engage the global Aramean community in reconciliation and reconstruction through education, cultural initiatives, and economic initiatives.
Why It Matters to Syria – and the World
Syria’s future depends on preserving its cultural diversity and empowering its ethnic and religious minorities. The Arameans, who have shaped the region’s history and culture for millennia, are indispensable to this vision. By recognizing and empowering the Aramean Christians, Syria can reaffirm its commitment to diversity, unity, and progress.
These proposals safeguard the irreplaceable Aramaic heritage – a unifying bridge between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – while offering a model for peace and coexistence in the Middle East. This effort lays the foundation for a more inclusive and collaborative Syria that takes pride in its Aramaic heritage, while also serving as an inspiring example of how preserving cultural and religious diversity contributes to regional stability, mutual understanding, and respect.
How You Can Support
The World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) invites media, politicians, NGOs, and stakeholders to collaborate and partner on impactful initiatives:
1. Parliamentary Forums and Roundtables: Highlight minority and indigenous rights along with cultural preservation.
2. Cultural Heritage Campaigns: Share the story of the Arameans through media and events.
3. Educational Programs: Promote Aramaic language and heritage in schools.
4. Reconstruction Projects: Rebuild Aramean communities and cultural sites.
5. Advocacy Events: Raise awareness in global forums like the UN and EU.
Let’s work together - contact info (at) wca-ngo.org - to ensure that Syria’s oldest recorded and still-living civilization, the Arameans and their language, continues to thrive as an integral part of the country’s future.
Download our Position Paper on Syria here
Turkey’s President and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Strasbourg on 24-25 January 2011 & Questions on Turkey’s Implementation of Articles 19.6 and 19.7 of the PACE Resolution 1704
Dear Sir/Madam,
We refer to Article 20 of Resolution 1704, adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (“PACE”) on 27 January 2010, which calls upon Turkey to “report back on the progress made on each point in paragraphs 16...and 19 of the present resolution by February 2011.”
EU: Comments and Amendments for Draft Resolution on Turkey’s 2011 Progress Report
In addition to the COVER LETTER BELOW, read the SUA's proposals for amendments (pp. 3-5).
Also read the "SUA Report to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Human Rights Committee, 104th session, 12 - 30 March 2012"
Aramaic Christians in Maaloula, Syria, Under Attack – Urgent Action Required
Maaloula, a historic Aramean Christian town in Syria where the ancient Aramaic language, the language of Jesus, is still spoken, has been under siege by Islamists for the past two weeks. Its Christian population, which has dwindled from 1,000 to fewer than 200 in this short time, now faces an alarming escalation of threats, gunfire attacks, and expulsion.
Over the past week, Islamists have intensified efforts to seize Christian-owned farmland and homes, pushing the last Arameans in Maaloula to the brink. Last night, at 2 a.m., a Christian farmer defending his property faced a life-or-death situation when armed attackers arrived. After being fired upon, he returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the death of one attacker. Despite his actions being backed by clear surveillance footage handed over to Damascus police, extremists are now demanding his surrender for retaliation and openly calling for the ethnic cleansing of Maaloula’s remaining Aramean Christian population.
Curiously, Maaloula has been cut off from the outside world, with no internet or phone connection for hours, leaving its residents isolated and vulnerable. Meanwhile, social media channels are flooded with calls for the expulsion of Christians, intensifying the fear among the remaining population. All its Aramean residents, especially women, children, and the elderly, are deeply afraid to surrender their arms, fearing they will be slaughtered if they do so.
Militants from the Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade of the Syrian National Army, led by Abu Amsha, are raiding homes, intimidating families, and issuing orders for Christians to leave Maaloula, applying relentless pressure to force the last Arameans to abandon their homeland.
We urgently call on the international community to:
• Intervene immediately to ensure the safety and survival of Maaloula’s Arameans.
• Deploy neutral forces to restore law and order in the town, preventing further violence and forced displacement.
• Demand HTS to take responsibility for the safety of Maaloula’s residents.
Johny Messo, president of the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs), warns: “What we are witnessing in Maaloula is a targeted assault on one of humanity’s oldest communities and its priceless heritage. The ongoing deafening silence of the international community is allowing ethnic cleansing to unfold in broad daylight. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.”
In addition to restoring security, we call for a fair political process that establishes a new Syrian constitution guaranteeing equality, justice, and protection for all citizens under the law. This constitution must also recognize and support Syria’s endangered indigenous Aramean population and their Aramaic language, which prevailed in the region until the 12th century. The Greek name Syria is recorded in the Bible under its original ancient Semitic name, Aram.
The Arameans, native to Southeast Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, remain a testament to resilience and faith in their ancestral homeland. Their documented history in Syria spans over 3,000 years. In 2011, the predominantly Arabicized Christians comprised 8–10% of Syria’s 21 million population. Today, however, fewer than 400,000 Christians may remain.
Each day without action brings Maaloula closer to losing its people and its unique cultural and spiritual legacy. We call on the international community to act now. Failing to stop this ethnic cleansing will leave an indelible stain on humanity and the credibility of the United Nations.
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Download this text here in PDF
