UN interest for Aramaeans and Aramaic Language

The pugnacious pioneers of the Aramaean cause and the Organization Aram Nahrin have reported significant developments that may raise awareness about the Aramaeans at the global level and reinstate this great people as major player in the pacification of the Middle East; that is why we report the details from their website, reserving for our readership a forthcoming in-depth historical analysis of the considerable contributions of the Aramaean nation to the History of the Mankind, and in addition several impending proposals concerning ways to support, diffuse and efficiently reinvigorate Aramaic allover the World.

If Jesus came amongst us, wouldn’t he be concerned with our attitude towards those who still speak His language?

From: http://www.aramnahrin.org/English/Report_AramNaharaim_Indigenous_2006.htm

Everybody who bears a good heart to the Aramean cause, will be pleased with the participation of Aram-Naharaim with the annual UN meeting of the Working Group on the Indigenous Populations which took place as from 31-7 / 4-8-2006 in Geneva, Switzerland. Indeed, it was a great success. Never has been, in the history of the Aramean nation, so definite and so much sympathy demonstrated as this year, during this great UN meeting.

From various sides we got informed that in the corridor chat of the UN often has been talking about the activities of Aram-Naharaim in a very positive sense. We received decent compliments from people who are for almost 30 years involved with the UN about the way we have presented our statements which set many thinking about the Aramean cause.

Monday 31-7-2006 our statement concerning the Aramaic language was presented, entitled, "Is the Aramaic language from the lands of the forefathers disappearing?"

After the presentation of the statement, a member of the Working Group, Ms. Christy E. Mbonu, asked for the floor. She represents the continent Africa in the Working Group. Very short summarized, she said, "I sympathise with the Arameans and the Aramaic language and ask others to demonstrate their sympathy and solidarity as well. We should help this people to preserve their heritage. Is there perhaps a task for the UNSECO? Do they have contacted UNESCO on this issue?"

(This she told in crowded meeting room met many diplomats and indigenous peoples).

After the talk of Ms. Mbonu, Aram-Naharaim went to her and expressed our gratefulness for her action in favour of the Aramean cause. "I watched the film ‘The Passion of Christ’ and liked it very much to hear speak Aramaic language, she told us". She also asked questions like, "How many Arameans are worldwide? How many of them speak Aramaic? Etc.. ".

Of course we talked much more with her about the Aramean cause; however we believe the above is sufficient enough to inform you about.

At the end she asked for the copies of our statements. She also proposed to arrange a meeting with the representative of UNESCO in Geneva. Tuesday 1-8-2006, we had a meeting with a representative of UNESCO concerning the Aramean issue. We talked about the situation of the Arameans worldwide, discrimination against and persecutions they suffer in various countries and exchanged ideas how to defend the Aramean heritage.

Anyhow, we were assured that the cause would be brought to the attention of the responsible people with UNESCO in Paris.
The issue Iraq…..

Wednesday 2-8-2006 we presented our statement concerning the situation of Iraq. After the statement was read; people poured to us asking for a copy. Various peoples expressed their compliments. Among the many interested, a Muslim and a Jew from Israel came to us. The Muslim asked amongst others for cooperation with Aram-Naharaim. The Jew was touched by the fact that during the presentation of our statement he saw on a huge screen "Arameans of Aram-Naharaim". Aram-Naharaim? But that is Hebrew word for Mesopotamia; isn’t it?; he noticed! That had attracted his attention. Of course Aram-Naharaim, provided him, as usual with reliable information.

Media Ombudsman: Our proposal is taken over
Thursday 3-8-2006 we presented our statement, "Proposal: Media Ombudsman for indigenous peoples". This statement was appreciated by many indigenous peoples; for many of them, get faced with betray within their own ranks and misinformation. We were for example informed that in some countries some indigenous "leaders" let themselves bribe by the government to give permission to the mining industry on their indigenous territories. By checking the facts; it became clear that these "leaders" are not leaders at all; but a bunch of betrayers who sell their nation for just a few cents! As to misinformation; many indigenous peoples are quite familiar with these problems. So they recognised many issues of themselves in our story. Misinformation from their own ranks, misinformation from the side of the governments and purposely misinformation from the side of the press; are unfortunately very well known by many indigenous peoples.

Every day at the end of the meeting, a summary was given by a member of the Working Group. On Thursday 3-8-2006 at 17:30 among the announcements, the noting was made that the proposal of Aram-Naharaim would be included in the final report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

On 14th of August 2006 the report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations was presented to the sub-commission on promotion and protection of the Human Rights. In Annex III of the report informs about our proposal.

Section:

A. Recommendations for future expert advice

6. The Human Rights Council, and the United Nations more generally, needs the following types of advice with regard to the rights of indigenous peoples:
…………………………………..indigenous peoples and the media (including access to and coverage by)…………

But of course when asked about this issue; it will be referred to the statement of Aram-Naharaim. With such a proposal of course a lot of PR is made for the Aramean cause; among this the many chats in the corridors concerning the Arameans. In addition, not every proposal will be included; unless you have provided them with good arguments.

Summary

Aram-Naharaim is becoming more and more serious as the defender of the Aramean issue at the UN and international level. For example one of the important signs was amongst the many, the comprehensive talk we had with the "NGO Liaison Office". During this conversation Aram-Naharaim in detail get informed how in the most effective and appropriate way to apply for a NGO status with the Economic and Social Council of United Nations.
They obverse what the people are doing for their nation and what their capacities are and whether they are able to contribute to the UN debate. Aram-Naharaim has demonstrated on various occasions that we are able to this task.

You may as a organisation obtain a NGO status…… However, if you do not have the capacity to accomplish your task… well, it will not be easy for you!