BRUSSELS — Following the global attention generated by the peaceful protest organized by three Suraye (Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian) national parties in Nohadra (Duhok), calling on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to deliver justice for the Suraye by stopping illegal property and land encroachments, implementing court rulings, and returning illegally confiscated properties, the European Syriac Union (ESU), through its Head of Internal Affairs, Jacob Mirza, has called on all the Suraye around the world to support the demands raised during the protest.

Mirza said in a video message in the Syriac language (Sureth) that the protest was jointly organized by the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa), and Assyrian Patriotic Party (Atranaya), describing the initiative as a very positive initiative that strengthens joint efforts to defend the rights of the Suraye people. He expressed hope that all Suraye political parties in Iraq would unite in the future and speak with one voice in defending the rights of the indigenous Suraye people in their homeland, Beth Nahrain.

Mirza added that ESU had issued a statement expressing its support for the protest, its demands, and all future activities and joint initiatives undertaken by Suraye parties and institutions in the homeland.

Mirza praised the solidarity shown by other Suraye institutions, political parties, and public figures with the protest, but stressed that what is now required is to discuss the next steps, particularly in Europe. He noted that the European Syriac Union is exploring ways to support the three parties that organized the protest, as well as all activities planned to be held in Europe.

“The Suraye people should support all of these activities and events, regardless of which party or side organizes them, to ensure that their objectives are achieved and to prevent the recurrence of violations against the Suraye in Beth Nahrain,” he said.

Statement text from Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian protest in Nohadra (Duhok) demanding enforcement of court rulings and end to land seizures

‘Let us all stand as one voice for justice, and for the protection of our land, our existence, and our dignity.’#Keshkawa #Nohadra #Duhok…

— SyriacPress (@SyriacPress) July 7, 2026

Mirza also expressed the Union’s support for all calls aimed at backing the protest in Nohadra, urging clergy, priests, and church officials to remind congregations of upcoming activities during sermons and Mass, and to issue statements condemning the encroachments and violations committed against the Suraye people.

He stressed that such actions should not be regarded as a political stance, but rather as an effort to convey the voice of the Suraye, describing it as a duty and responsibility that rests upon every member of the Suraye nation.

Mirza stressed the need to move away from unproductive debates, arguments, and questions, and instead focus on coordinating joint activities and initiatives. He said such cooperation would help overcome all differences, which he described as secondary, among Suraye parties and institutions, while demonstrating the true strength of the Suraye people.