ANCA Leads Assyrian Delegation to Canberra, ACT

This morning, a delegation led by the Assyrian National Council of Australia Inc. (ANCA), accompanied by representatives from The Young Assyrians (TYA), arrived in the nation's capital to engage in a series of high-level meetings with the Australian Government. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss critical issues affecting the Assyrian community in Australia and abroad, and to strengthen the ties between the Assyrian community and Australian policymakers.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in substantial discussions with The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, and The Hon. Tim Watts MP, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs. The primary focus of these discussions was the dire situation of Assyrian refugees stranded in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, who are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and resettlement opportunities.

The delegation highlighted the various human rights violations faced by Indigenous Assyrians in their Traditional Homelands, stressing the necessity for international intervention and support. The distinguished delegation featured key figures such as Mr. Hermiz Shahen, President of the ANCA; Mr. Nirari Shahen and Mr. Albert Shlemon, ANCA board members; and Ms. Suzy David, senior advisor to the ANCA. Representing the organisation’s youth-arm, Ms. Breteil Tigris David, President of TYA, joined the delegation alongside esteemed ANCA delegates Mr. Peter Esho, Dr. George Marano, and Mr. Evin Yalda.

The delegation was also graced by Dr. Ron Susek, a leading scholar and best-selling author. The ANCA acknowledges The Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia for arranging these meetings and for his ongoing support to the Assyrian-Australian community.