In a previously issued joint statement released by the Assyrian Cultural Association and the Assyrian Democratic Movement, community leaders argued that a "one-size-fits-all" approach to repatriation ignores the complex and dangerous reality on the ground, particularly for religious minorities.
The crux of the concern lies with the current political transition in Damascus. The groups pointed specifically to the rise of Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as Mohammed al-Jolani) as a transitional leader. For many Christians, the name Jolani is inextricably linked to his past leadership within jihadist structures responsible for the systematic persecution of minorities.
"Trust, security, and future prospects cannot be established through political titles alone," the statement read. "They require credible changes and guarantees—none of which are currently visible."
The report highlights a "worrying trend of Islamization" in various parts of Syria. The Assyrian groups describe a landscape where women face increasing pressure to conform to strict dress codes and withdraw from public life. For Christians, this is not merely a social shift but an existential threat. Recent attacks on churches and community facilities serve as a grim reminder that "security" remains a distant dream for many.
A central point of the Assyrian appeal is the distinction between the Sunni majority and indigenous minorities. While acknowledging that some regions may be relatively safer for parts of the majority population, the community leaders stress that Assyrian heartlands have been "systematically destroyed."
"Our villages have been depopulated, our churches attacked, and our very existence erased over years of conflict," the statement says. "For many of us, there is no functioning infrastructure and, in many cases, no home left to return to."
A Call for Targeted Protection
The Assyrian community is now calling on European policymakers to adopt a more nuanced asylum policy. Their demands include:
- A clear distinction between the majority population and endangered minorities.
- Explicit recognition that Assyrian Christians face unique risks and conditions.
- Unconditional protected status for religious minorities.
- Evidence-based policy rooted in actual security assessments rather than arbitrary quotas.
"Europe must not make the mistake of treating all Syrians the same," the statement concludes. "We are an endangered people whose survival requires special attention and protection."
As European governments face domestic pressure to reduce refugee numbers, the plea from the Assyrian community serves as a sobering reminder that for some, "going home" is not just a logistical challenge, it is a potential death sentence.
