Recognition of Assyrian Rights & Homeland

Bruce Leon affirms the right of Assyrians to remain, return, and thrive in their homeland across Iraq and Syria, as well as their right to autonomy in Assyria in northern Iraq. A region known asthe Assyrian Triangle—stretching east to west between the Tigris River and the Upper Zab, including the Nerwa and Rekan region, and north to south from the Iraq–Turkey border to where the Tigris and the Greater Zab meet—Assyrians have maintained a continuous presence for over 7,000 years.

 Before 2003, this region was home to an estimated 1.5 million Assyrians. Today, due to ongoing persecution, displacement, and the continued occupation of Assyrian lands, more than 95% of Assyrians are scattered throughout the diaspora and fewer than 200,000 remain in Assyria.

Bruce supports:

• Right-of-stay protections for Assyrians in their homeland.

• Advocacy for an Autonomous Assyrian Region – In northern Iraq (the Assyrian Triangle) consistent with international human-rights standards.

• Recognition of Assyria as a region essential to regional stability.

He will work with federal partners, diplomats, and human-rights organizations to elevate andstrengthen Assyrian protections, and ensure Assyrian voices are included in U.S. foreign-policy discussions.