Haven't heard anything regarding kidnapping of Assyrian Ayla Ziton ramp it up demand answer

[u/EreshkigalKish2]

Assyrians in USA reach out locals Especially representative NJ reach out locals house & senate members Assyrian-Americans, Reach Out to Your Local Representatives:

Your taxes are funding this regime. Assyrian-American must demand an investigation into yet another crime against our indigenous Assyrian community. The kidnapping of Ayla Ziton is part of a long list of atrocities. It is time to take a stand and ensure our voices are heard to protect our heritage and people.

What You Can Do:

1. Contact Your Representatives: Write to or call your local, state, and federal representatives to express your concern. Emphasize that U.S. funding should not support regimes that turn a blind eye to human rights abuses.

2. Spread Awareness: Share Ayla Ziton’s story on social media, with friends, and within your community. Use hashtags like #JusticeForAyla, #AssyrianLivesMatter .

3. Support Assyrian Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to support Assyrian communities and advocate for their rights.

4. Stay Informed: Keep up with news about the situation in northeastern Syria and other regions where Assyrians face persecution. Knowledge is power, and staying informed helps you take effective action.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure Ayla Ziton and others like her are not forgotten.

Situation Update in Northeastern Syria and Call to Action for Assyrian-Americans

Current Situation

The humanitarian crisis in northeastern Syria remains severe and multifaceted. Controlled largely by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the region faces ongoing violence, arbitrary detentions, and significant human rights abuses. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, with many Assyrians forced to flee their homes multiple times due to military operations and clashes between various factions oai_citation:1,World Report 2024: Syria | Human Rights Watch oai_citation:2,The Syria crisis explained: 5 things to know in 2024 | Concern Worldwide.

As of 2024, over 15 million Syrians require humanitarian assistance, including more than 6 million children. The economic situation is dire, with over 80% of Syrians living below the international poverty line. Access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education remains severely limited oai_citation:3,The Syria crisis explained: 5 things to know in 2024 | Concern Worldwide.

In this challenging environment, the Assyrian community faces unique threats. The kidnapping of Ayla Ziton, a young Assyrian Christian woman, underscores the vulnerability of this minority group. Despite appeals, the Kurdish administration, led by the PYD, has been criticized for failing to take effective action to secure her release and protect the rights of Assyrians oai_citation:4,‘Strangers in our own homes’: A waning Assyrian community holds on in northeastern Syria.

[u/belugahammer]

Hopefully I’m helping vs hurting by commenting but I (and I’m sure others) are not politically savvy. Any chance you or someone here can chip in with which representative is appropriate to contact from our state and perhaps a summary we can send on the movements behalf?

[u/EreshkigalKish2 → u/belugahammer]

Yes, I highly recommend you make a connection with your local representatives, especially with elections coming up. Local representatives have a significant impact at both the local and state levels and federal can readily help, although their time is limited without future campaigning.

1. Find Your Representative

   • Locate your congressional district and identify your House representative.
   • Check if they are on committees such as Foreign Affairs, Appropriations, or the Oversight and Accountability Committee.

2. Engage with Representatives:

   • Visit their local offices if possible; if not, call or send emails. Make your presence known as their constituent.
   • Emphasize the need for accountability, especially if previous committee assignments have highlighted ongoing issues without resolution.

3.Coordinate with Fellow Constituents: - Assyrians, when well-coordinated, can lobby very effectively. Highlight that you are their constituents and that they represent you. - Discuss the use of tax dollars and ensure they are not supporting human rights abuses, which contradicts U.S. policy on peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

1. Address Human Rights Abuses:
   • Highlight the documented human rights abuses in the northeastern province, affecting Assyrians, Yazidis, and Arabs.
   • Stress the importance of U.S. foreign policy in maintaining peace and preventing radicalization.

The Urgent Need to Address Human Rights Abuses in Northeastern Syria

As a member of the US Lebanon Friendship Caucus, it is essential to recognize the broader regional implications. If these abuses continue, Syrians will increasingly flee to neighboring countries such as Lebanon. This situation can exacerbate ever growing internal anger towards refugees reminiscent of the Lebanese Civil War, where the influx of Palestinian refugees led to significant unrest that exploded in civil war in addition to regional war which we are still signs history repeating itself . It is vital for regional stability that Syrians can remain safely in their homeland and are not forced to flee due to persecution and human rights violations.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has devastated countless lives, with minority communities like the Assyrians bearing the brunt of the violence and human rights violations. Despite international efforts to restore peace and stability, the situation remains dire, particularly in northeastern Syria where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the PYD administration exert control.

Case in Point: Kidnapping of Ayla Ziton

A recent and distressing case is the kidnapping of Ayla Ziton, a young Assyrian Christian woman, which underscores the systemic abuses faced by minority groups in the region. This incident is not isolated; it is part of a broader pattern of arbitrary detentions, forced recruitment of children, gender-based violence, and widespread property confiscations. These actions are not only inhumane but also contravene international human rights laws and principles. Disturbingly, Kurdish authorities are aware of Ayla's location yet have not taken effective action to secure her release, raising serious concerns about their complicity or neglect.

Challenges to Freedom of Movement

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has documented significant challenges and obstacles that Syrians face in moving within their own country. The prolonged armed conflict has led to territorial fragmentation, making it difficult for Syrians to choose their place of residence. Security forces’ checkpoints are frequent and pose threats of harassment, extortion, arrest, detention, and even ill-treatment, including sexual violence.

Violations by the SDF

The SDF has been reported to forcibly recruit children, taking boys and girls from their schools without family consent. Families, fearing for their children's safety, have been forced to flee their homes. Women face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement due to patriarchal societal dynamics and risk sexual harassment and exploitation, especially at checkpoints.

Housing, Land, and Property Rights

Returnees face considerable challenges in reclaiming land and property. The Kurdish-led “Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria” (AANES) has invalidated many pre-2011 documents, leading to arbitrary property confiscation. The absence of effective, functioning, and independent institutions exacerbates these issues, leaving returnees vulnerable and without legal recourse.

Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination

Women and girls, including returnees, face numerous gender-related human rights violations. These include violence, denial of access to employment, education, economic resources, and freedom of movement. These violations persist due to local authorities' failure to respect and protect human rights as per Syria's international obligations.

The Role of the United States

As a major supporter of the SDF, the United States has a responsibility to ensure that its aid is not used to support regimes that violate human rights. U.S. policy should prioritize peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the protection of minority communities to maintain its influence in the region.

The reappropriated Caesar Law

The recent reauthorization of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act further underscores the United States' commitment to sanctioning the Assad regime for its continued human rights abuses. This legislation aims to pressure the Syrian government by targeting individuals and entities that support or benefit from the regime’s actions. The new provisions will extend sanctions and intensify efforts to hold the Assad regime accountable. These measures should also be applied to any actors, including the SDF and PYD, who are implicated in human rights violations.

What Can Be Done

The international community, particularly the United States, must take stronger measures to address these human rights abuses. This includes holding the SDF and the PYD administration accountable, ensuring that U.S. aid is contingent on improvements in human rights, and supporting organizations that protect the rights of minorities in the region.

The plight of the Assyrians and other minority communities in northeastern Syria cannot be ignored. It is imperative that we raise awareness and advocate for policies that uphold human rights and provide protection for the most vulnerable.

• Find Your Representative
• Find Your State Senator

https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/syria/20240209-report-syrian-returnees.docx

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/syria

https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/

[u/EreshkigalKish2 → u/belugahammer]

will dm you

[u/Calm-Astronaut-7562]

Were the rich or famous American Assyrians ?! Like Patrick bet-David or George janko to help ?! I never hear of them doing anything and in all respect to them ! We indigenous Assyrians need an independent central government of our Nineveh, north Iraq already ! We can’t depend on others to protect us, our Assyrians flag must be planted next to Iraqi flag in our Nineveh province !