We remember Simele martyrs

August 7 marks commemoration of Simele martyrs among Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people which reminds one of the bloodiest massacres against indigenous people of Iraq and Middle East.

On August 7, 1933 and preceding weeks Iraqi forces and their Kurdish allies systematically attacked Assyrian Christians of Simele and adjacent villages by killing of more than 3000 civilians, including women, children. Following the genocide of Sayfo 1915, Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people were decimated, killed and uprooted from their historical homelands and survivals were scattered in different regions in Middle East. In a period of international negotiations and conferences regarding Middle East, international and regional powers neglected the demands of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people.

One century after Sayfo 1915 and nearly one century of Simele massacre, Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people continue to face genocide, killings, abductions and existentialist treats in their native homelands. Latest arrival of Islamic State, IS to Iraq and Syria decimated once again presence and power of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people by killings, abductions, destruction of ancient churches, monasteries and monuments and performing genocide.

Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people continuously asked for international assistance, support and recognition of their core rights in Iraq and other countries. Protection of minorities and different groups is an essential element of democratic societies. In this regard, we repeat our call to Iraqi government and international community to recognise Simele massacre which inspired well-known historian Raphael Lemkin to coin his term of “genocide” with genocide of 1915. Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people will continue their struggle of survival and recognition.