WCA highlights underreported cases before Commission of Inquiry on Syria
On 13 March 2018, WCA again interacted with the Commission of Inquiry at the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council. This time putting emphasis on those cases which have been greatly neglected by the international community.
WCA's Director for UN Affairs, Ms. Sarah Bakir, addresses the Commission of Inquiry on Syria
Thank you, Mr. President.
After seven unbearable years of burying hundreds of thousands of lives, and watching the destruction of our homeland, we Syrians long for peace, security and reconciliation. Therefore, we welcome and hope for the continuation of the Peace Talks in Geneva, Astana and Sochi.
The World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) requests the Commission to explore the following four underreported cases:
First, Syria’s native Arameans remain deprived of international humanitarian and development aid. Especially in places like Homs, where terrorist organizations like ISIS have sown death and destruction. Help should reach all Syrians in need, irrespective of their background.
Second, Eastern Ghouta concerns us all. While we condemn the loss of innocent lives there, we also denounce the rebel mortars and missiles fired from this Damascus suburb on Christian quarters. As a result, churches have been hit and Aramean children, women and men have been killed and injured.
Third, we welcome the Commission’s recognition of human rights violations committed by SDF, YPG and Asayish, which we have reported on before. We ask the Commission to also report on the acts and intentions of these Kurdish forces – who aim for an independent region in Northeast Syria by subjection, oppression, confiscation of property, land expropriation and forcible conscription – thereby driving out the local populations such as the Arameans. These acts by the Kurds, who are neither indigenous to, nor the majority of, this region are unlawful and undermine the envisioned peace, security and unity of Syria.
Last, but not least, we note the abduction of the Syriac and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Monsigneur Boulos Yazigi. Next month, on 22 April, five years will have lapsed and there are still no developments. It is alleged that certain UN Member States may know more or even be involved in it. Hence, this case should be investigated for truth and justice to prevail.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Click here to download the statement in pdf
