Defending Kurdish rights in Syria and Iraq should rest on people’s security, political freedom and dignity. The same standard must apply to Assyrians and other communities. Disputes over local government, armed forces or the future of territories can be criticised plainly, even strongly. Attributing a party’s, commander’s or writer’s conduct to an entire people, however, makes accurate judgment impossible. This article argues that solidarity with Kurdish people becomes stronger when their neighbours’ rights are recognised too.
Afrin: Criticise specific actors and protect civilians
In its report of 14 June 2018, Human Rights Watch attributed the seizure, looting and destruction of Kurdish civilians’ property in Afrin to Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army groups. It interviewed displaced owners and examined property photographs in two cases, naming Ahrar al-Sharqiya and Jaysh al-Sharqiya. The report also included Ahrar al-Sharqiya’s denial of responsibility and its statement that several suspects had been arrested. These findings concern the particular events and actors investigated. Human Rights Watch’s report on civilian property in Afrin.
For those defending Kurdish rights, the central questions should concern returning property, examining complaints and holding responsible actors accountable. A witness’s or critic’s ethnicity does not replace evidence. Nor does someone’s opposition to a Kurdish organisation, by itself, establish support for abuses against civilians. Criticism of positions that disregard Kurdish rights should identify the statement and its context and allow a response. Generalising accusations to Assyrians diverts attention from specific perpetrators’ responsibility.
Iraq: Accountability belongs within the defence of self-government
Human Rights Watch’s November 2009 report on Nineveh’s disputed territories documented pressure on minorities to declare political loyalties, alongside arbitrary detention and intimidation by Kurdish authorities. In examining the killings of Christians in Mosul in 2008, it found no evidence of direct Kurdish involvement. These two findings must be read together: documented violations should be investigated, while accusations beyond the evidence should not be accepted. This historical report cannot automatically describe conditions today. On Vulnerable Ground, Human Rights Watch.
For supporters of Kurdish self-government, accepting independent scrutiny of officials’ conduct can strengthen elected institutions’ credibility. Assyrian citizens should be able to complain about property, schools, language or security forces without being expected to abandon their identity. Kurdish citizens should have the same freedom in dealings with any local or central authority. Criticising an administration does not deny the rights of the people it governs; officials should not evade accountability by sheltering behind a community’s name.
Identity, choice and participation
The United Nations’ 1992 declaration on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities emphasises protecting their identities and freely enjoying their culture, religion and language. It also recognises effective participation and free, peaceful contacts between people belonging to minorities. The United Nations’ international law library explains that the declaration is not itself binding, but provides a framework for considering minority rights. The minority-rights declaration and United Nations explanation.
Political discussion should therefore not become a contest to establish one community’s authenticity or discredit another’s ancestry. No citizen should have to accept a rival historical narrative to enjoy security and participation. Research into the past has its place, but present-day human rights should not depend on its outcome. Demands to preserve Kurdish language are compatible with preserving Assyrian language and culture. Fair policy should give both room for expression and choice.
Media coverage should clearly distinguish documented news, attributed claims and an author’s opinion. An image without a verifiable origin, an anonymous account or a quotation stripped of context is not enough to attribute violence to a community. This article proposes focusing on the decision-making institution, the date of the event, assessable evidence and a right of reply. Secure lives, equal access to services and the freedom of peaceful opposition for everyone should be the standard for the future of Kurdish–Assyrian relations.
Editorial note: This version was rewritten using the linked sources. Political criticism is limited to specific, documented claims; ethnic generalisations, unverified allegations and unverified images have been removed.