Syria Patriarchs for Middle Eastern communities ousted by the rise of so-called Islamic State (ISIS) have criticised the failure of the international community to act fully two years after that group’s emergence.
In a joint statement, Syriac Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II and Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan said that while they are grateful to nations which have declared the actions of ISIS to be genocide, inaction on the part of nations was to be lamented.
“Two years after the calamity that was brought upon our people, the decision-making countries and the international community remain silent and inactive towards the ethnic cleansing of a historical people who founded the civilisations of the area,” the Patriarchs stated, adding: “We affirm our demand for the immediate liberation of Mosul and the Nineveh Plain and the return of our sons and daughters to their land and homes. They should enjoy security and stability as well as living conditions that ensure their dignity and help them restore their trust in their country and their hope in a bright future.”