The Assyrian Policy Institute joins with our partner organization the Assyrian American Association of Southern California in welcoming the historic vote today passing House Resolution 296 which states that it is U.S. policy to commemorate the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide, reject efforts to associate the U.S. government with efforts to deny the existence of the 1915 Genocide, and encourage education and public understanding about the genocide that claimed the lives of millions of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
The U.S. House of Representative’s passage of this legislation—shaped by the descendants of survivors of the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide—promotes accountability and opens the door for future justice processes. Shining a sustained light on this issue will encourage the United States to live up to its commitment to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated.
“Historical injustices have ongoing consequences in the Middle East, and the persistent denial of them is a major barrier—not only for the democratization of the region—but also for the advancement of pluralist and tolerant societies,” said API Chairman Jon Koriel. “Today’s vote is an important step for U.S. policy. Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians perceive Turkey through the prism of history—the United States must continue to urge Turkey to confront its past.”
While we are encouraged by the House’s passage of this bill, we are reminded that extensive work is still required to ensure that the affected communities are afforded their rights to truth, justice, and reparations.
We urge Members of the U.S. Senate to move forward on a bipartisan basis and pass similar legislation which is amended to reflect the ethnic unity of the Assyrian people.
We extend our utmost gratitude to Representatives Adam Schiff and Gus Bilirakis for their heartfelt leadership on this issue. We also thank those organizations which have long-advocated for recognition of the Armenian, Greek, Assyrian Genocide and those who have led these important efforts in U.S. Congress. The impact of this resolution will be significant as we continue to pursue justice for the horrific events of 1915.