Arameans reflect on dire position in Turkey in wake of the Ottoman Genocide centennial
After the UPR outcome on Turkey, on Friday 26 June 2015, the WCA held a side-event at the UN Office in Geneva, titled “The Arameans of Turkey: The Disappearance of a People.” Emphasizing the struggle for survival of Turkey's native Aramean people, the event was well received by the attending UN Member States and NGOs. Click here or on the photos below for a short video compilation.
After the screening of the documentary “Sayfo: A Forgotten Genocide,” which is a joint project by the Dutch Evangelical Broadcasting (EO) channel and the WCA, the participants engaged in a constructive discussion regarding the position of Arameans and other ethno-religious peoples in Turkey.
The WCA deplores and yet understands the absence of the Turkish Mission from this important event, which touches at the heart of Turkey’s democracy. It is a missed opportunity for the Turkish Government to demonstrate a strong leadership position in taking the initiative to lead the fundamental dialogue with its native ethno-religious minorities such as the Aramean people.
Within the framework of international law and maintaining its diplomatic relations with the Turkish Government, the WCA believes it is time for tangible results and that Turkey can do so much more for its native Arameans, as it continues to do for the Palestinian for example. The Arameans are rapidly disappearing from their homelands in the Near East with no perspectives of remigration. Therefore, Turkey should push up its efforts in ensuring the future of the Aramean people in Tur-Abdin and in safeguarding their unique cultural heritage, which is also part of Turkey's rich national heritage.
Mr. Johny Messo (left), WCA President, and Mr. Simon Marogi (right), WCA Vice-President,
are being interviewed about the UPR outcome on Turkey and the WCA's side-event.
To view the WCA’s statement during the UPR outcome click here (PDF) or watch here (YouTube).
