17January2025

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION IN SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS

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.
Viral Video Arameans

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.

Aram the Homeland of the Arameans

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

Factsheet - Arameans and Aramaic 070125

 

WCA Position Paper Syria Dec. 2024 070125a

WCA Position Paper Syria Dec. 2024 070125b

 

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