Assyrian National Council - Australia

Assyrian National Council - Australia The ANCA is dedicated to advancing the cultural, economic, and political interests of the Assyrian nation in their Traditional Homeland (Assyria) and globally.

Assyrian National Council
Ideological Principles


The ANCA is to defend, promote, protect and preserve the Assyrian national, political, cultural, economic and indigenous human rights nationally and globally and foremost in the Assyrians’ ancestral homelands (Assyria), against all adversaries that may be either from external or internal origins. ANCA expressly is not and does not operate as a p

olitical party, and therefore, ANCA should never be deemed as such. Instead, the ANCA collective, functions in conjunction and in cooperation with the national political parties, in accordance to the terms of mutually entered into agreements and memorandums of understandings. ANCA believes that in the matters concerning the Assyrians’ political and socio-economic causes there is a distinct role and function to be fulfilled by every national political party, national institution, learned-persons, the dignitaries of either public or private sector, irrespective of age, longevity of service and/or size of the respective institutions. ANCA embraces all and every diversity of the Assyrian nation, whether tribal, religious or sectarian. The common denominator of all and every diversity, recognized internationally, rooted historically and supported archeologically is the political identity of “Assyrian”. The Assyrian identity moreover is the “most inclusive” and politically “ the most pluralist” identity, encompassing all constituents irrespective of the underlining diversities. ANCA embraces all and every ideology, opinion and perspective that is aimed at achieving the Assyrian Cause, regardless of its source and origin. There is a time and a place for each of the perspectives to take lead role and ANCA may lean towards those perspectives that result in the most benefit for the nation, at the lowest and most manageable level of risks that may be endured by the Assyrian nation. The ANCA mission is perpetual through eternity, commenced from inception of the nation’s struggle to regain the Assyrians national and territorial rights, through the establishment of national institutions for the functioning of national affairs and for the preservation of optimal Assyrian freedoms in most democratic and representative manners at post the procurement of the Assyrian national and territorial rights. The constitution of ANCA, as a collective, shall provide operating ways and means for the members of the ANCA executive board, advisory board, organizers and activists to function in the most effective ways to fulfil the ANCA mission. From time to time, the ANCA constitution may be amended in order to provide the ANCA organization optimal operating efficiencies. The ANCA constitution may not be amended to cause change in ANCA mission and purpose.

08/06/2026

Exploring Australia’s Role in the Future of the Nineveh Plains.

The Policy Summit on the Future of the Nineveh Plains will bring together policymakers, academics, community leaders, and civil society representatives at Parliament House, Canberra, to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the Indigenous Assyrian people of the Middle East.

Through evidence-based discussion and informed dialogue, the Summit seeks to advance understanding, strengthen partnerships, and explore practical avenues through which Australia can contribute to the future security, prosperity, and cultural preservation of the Nineveh Plains.

Representatives from Assyrian organisations gathered at the Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA) office yesterda...
07/06/2026

Representatives from Assyrian organisations gathered at the Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA) office yesterday evening for a Community Consultation Meeting ahead of the upcoming Policy Summit.

The consultation provided community stakeholders with an opportunity to learn more about the Summit, its objectives, key themes, and the outcomes it seeks to achieve.

Participants engaged in constructive discussion, shared perspectives, and offered valuable feedback to help inform the initiative.

The ANCA and TYA sincerely thanks all organisations and representatives who attended and contributed to the discussion.

The strong support shown by attendees reflects a shared commitment to advancing meaningful dialogue on the future of our people.

As preparations continue, we look forward to bringing together policymakers, academics, advocates, and community leaders at Parliament House, Canberra, on 1 July 2026 for this important national conversation.

07/06/2026

The Assyrian National Council – Australia Inc. (ANCA) and The Young Assyrians are pleased to announce that Dr. George Marano will join the Policy Summit on the Future of the Nineveh Plains as one of our panellists.

A respected economist, academic, and community leader, Dr. Marano has made significant contributions to public policy, economic development, and community advancement. He is also actively involved in the Assyrian Business Council of Australia, supporting initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurship, professional networks, and economic opportunity within the Assyrian community.

Through his research and engagement with Assyrian affairs, Dr. Marano has highlighted the importance of sustainable economic development, investment, and long-term planning in creating prosperous and resilient communities.

As part of the Summit, Dr. Marano will contribute to discussions on economic development, community resilience, and the practical measures required to support long-term stability and opportunity in the Nineveh Plains.

We are honoured to welcome Dr. Marano to this important conversation as policymakers, academics, community leaders, and stakeholders come together at Parliament House Canberra to discuss the future of the Nineveh Plains.

إدانة خرق الدستور العراقي والقانون الدولي عبر محاولات التغيير الديموغرافي التي تستهدف الوجود التاريخي للشعب الآشوري في س...
06/06/2026

إدانة خرق الدستور العراقي والقانون الدولي عبر محاولات التغيير الديموغرافي التي تستهدف الوجود التاريخي للشعب الآشوري في سهل نينوى
يعرب المجلس القومي الآشوري – أستراليا عن قلقه العميق وإدانته الشديدة للمحاولات الجارية لإعادة تفعيل مشروع أراضي مؤسسة جابر بن حيان، فضلاً عن إجراءات تمليك آلاف الوحدات السكنية العشوائية المقامة على أراضٍ تعود ملكيتها لأبناء شعبنا الآشوري في تلكيف ومناطق أخرى من سهل نينوى.
إن هذه الإجراءات تمثل انتهاكاً خطيراً لحقوق الملكية، وتهدد الوجود التاريخي للشعب الآشوري بوصفه أحد الشعوب الأصلية في العراق، كما تسهم في تكريس سياسات التغيير الديموغرافي التي تتعارض مع مبادئ العدالة والمساواة وسيادة القانون.
إن توزيع ما يقارب (1600) قطعة أرض استناداً إلى سياسات تعود جذورها إلى قرارات اتخذها النظام البعثي السابق، إلى جانب السعي لتمليك ما يقارب (6000) وحدة سكنية عشوائية أقيمت على أراضٍ زراعية خاصة تعود ملكيتها لأبناء شعبنا، يثير مخاوف جدية من استمرار محاولات تغيير التركيبة السكانية للمنطقة وفرض واقع ديموغرافي جديد على حساب السكان الأصليين.
وتتعارض هذه الإجراءات بشكل واضح مع أحكام المادة (23/ثالثاً/ب) من الدستور العراقي التي تحظر التملك لأغراض التغيير السكاني، كما تتناقض مع التوجهات القانونية التي هدفت إلى إلغاء آثار سياسات التغيير الديموغرافي التي مورست خلال حقبة النظام الدكتاتوري السابق.
وعلى الصعيد الدولي، فإن العراق ملتزم باحترام المعايير والاتفاقيات الدولية لحقوق الإنسان، بما في ذلك الإعلان العالمي لحقوق الإنسان، والعهد الدولي الخاص بالحقوق المدنية والسياسية، وإعلان الأمم المتحدة بشأن حقوق الشعوب الأصلية. وتؤكد هذه المواثيق حق الشعوب الأصلية في الحفاظ على وجودها التاريخي في أراضيها التقليدية، وصون هويتها الثقافية والقومية، وحماية حقوقها في الملكية، والمشاركة في اتخاذ القرارات المتعلقة بأراضيها ومجتمعاتها.
إن سهل نينوى يمثل الوطن التاريخي والأصيل للشعب الآشوري، أحد أقدم شعوب بلاد ما بين النهرين. وأي سياسة أو مشروع أو إجراء إداري يؤدي إلى تقليص وجوده القومي أو إضعاف ارتباطه بأرضه التاريخية أو تغيير الطابع السكاني لبلداته التاريخية، يشكل تهديداً مباشراً لحقوقه الجماعية ولمستقبله وهويته الثقافية.
وعليه، فإن المجلس القومي الآشوري – أستراليا يدعو إلى:
• الإيقاف الفوري لجميع الإجراءات المتعلقة بمشروع أراضي جابر بن حيان.
• تعليق جميع قرارات تمليك الوحدات العشوائية المقامة على الأراضي المتنازع عليها إلى حين التوصل إلى حلول قانونية عادلة تحفظ حقوق المالكين الأصليين.
• التزام الحكومة العراقية الكامل بأحكام الدستور العراقي وكافة النصوص القانونية التي تحظر التغيير الديموغرافي.
• قيام مجلس النواب العراقي والسلطة القضائية والمؤسسات المختصة بحقوق الإنسان بفتح تحقيق شامل في أي ممارسات أو قرارات تسهم في فرض تغييرات ديموغرافية في سهل نينوى.
• قيام الأمم المتحدة والمنظمات الدولية المعنية بحقوق الإنسان والدول الديمقراطية بمتابعة التطورات الجارية في سهل نينوى ودعم الجهود الرامية إلى حماية حقوق الشعب الآشوري وأراضيه وتراثه التاريخي.
إن المجلس القومي الآشوري – أستراليا يحذر من أن استمرار هذه السياسات من شأنه أن يهدد السلم المجتمعي ويقوض التنوع التاريخي والحضاري الذي تميز به العراق عبر آلاف السنين، كما سيؤدي إلى مزيد من إضعاف الوجود المسيحي والآشوري في أرضه التاريخية.
إن حماية الشعوب الأصلية وحقوقها في أراضيها وتراثها وهويتها ليست مسألة داخلية فحسب، بل هي قضية ترتبط بالقانون الدولي وحقوق الإنسان والعدالة الدولية.
ويؤكد المجلس القومي الآشوري – أستراليا تضامنه الكامل مع أبناء تلكيف وسهل نينوى في دفاعهم المشروع عن أراضيهم التاريخية وحقوقهم القانونية والإنسانية، ويدعو جميع الجهات الوطنية والدولية إلى تحمل مسؤولياتها في حماية هذه الحقوق ومنع أي محاولات للتغيير الديموغرافي أو المساس بالوجود التاريخي لشعبنا.
المجلس القومي الآشوري – أستراليا
Condemnation of Violations of the Iraqi Constitution and International Law Through Attempts at Demographic Change Targeting the Historic Presence of the Assyrian People in the Nineveh Plain.

The Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing efforts to reactivate the Jaber Bin Hayyan Housing Project and the legalization of thousands of informal settlements on lands belonging to the indigenous Assyrian people in Tel Keppe and other areas of the Nineveh Plain.
These measures constitute a serious violation of property rights, threaten the historical presence of Iraq’s indigenous Assyrian people, and contribute to a process of demographic engineering that undermines the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law.
The reported allocation of approximately 1,600 residential plots under policies originally rooted in decisions of the former Ba’athist regime, together with the proposed legalization of approximately 6,000 informal housing units established on privately owned Assyrian agricultural lands, raises grave concerns regarding the deliberate alteration of the demographic composition of the region.
Such actions appear to contradict Article 23(Third/B) of the Iraqi Constitution, which explicitly prohibits property ownership for the purpose of demographic change. They also run contrary to the spirit and intent of Iraqi legal provisions that sought to reverse the demographic manipulation policies implemented during the previous dictatorship.
Beyond domestic legal obligations, Iraq is bound by international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These instruments affirm the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain their historical presence on their ancestral lands, protect their cultural identity, enjoy their property rights, and participate in decisions affecting their communities and territories.
The Nineveh Plain is the ancestral homeland of the Assyrian people, one of the oldest indigenous nations of Mesopotamia. Any policy, project, or administrative action that diminishes their presence, weakens their connection to their lands, or alters the demographic character of their historic towns constitutes a direct threat to their collective rights and cultural survival.
ANCA therefore calls upon:
* The Government of Iraq to immediately suspend all procedures related to the Jaber Bin Hayyan land distribution project.
* The relevant Iraqi authorities to halt the legalization of informal settlements established on disputed private lands until lawful and equitable solutions are reached.
* Federal and provincial authorities to fully uphold the Iraqi Constitution and all legal provisions prohibiting demographic change.
* The Iraqi Parliament, judiciary, and human rights institutions to investigate any actions that facilitate demographic manipulation in the Nineveh Plain.
* The United Nations, international human rights organizations, and democratic governments to closely monitor developments in the Nineveh Plain and support the protection of the indigenous Assyrian people’s rights, lands, and heritage
The Assyrian National Council – Australia warns that continued demographic engineering in the Nineveh Plain risks further destabilizing the region, undermining social cohesion, and accelerating the erosion of Iraq’s historic diversity.
The protection of indigenous peoples, their lands, and their cultural identity is not merely a domestic issue; it is a matter of international human rights and justice.
ANCA stands in solidarity with the people of Tel Keppe and all communities of the Nineveh Plain in their lawful efforts to defend their ancestral lands, preserve their heritage, and secure their fundamental rights under both Iraqi and international law.

Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA)

02/06/2026

Keynote Speaker Announcement

We are honoured to announce Mr. Robert DeKelaita as the keynote speaker for the Policy Summit on the Future of the Nineveh Plains.

Born in Kirkuk, Iraq, Mr. DeKelaita is the Principal of DeKelaita Consulting LTD and an attorney with DeKelaita Law LLC. He practised law in the Chicago area for more than three decades, building a distinguished career in legal advocacy, scholarship, and community leadership.

Mr. DeKelaita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Chicago, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

A dedicated advocate for Assyrian history, cultural identity, and heritage preservation, Mr. DeKelaita was among the founders of the Ashurbanipal Library and served as publisher and editor of Nabu Quarterly, a publication devoted to Assyrian community affairs, analysis, and scholarship.

Throughout his career, he has authored numerous articles on Assyrian history, nationalism, identity, and political issues, while also teaching courses on ancient, classical, and modern Assyrian history. His work has helped educate and inspire new generations and has made a lasting contribution to the preservation and advancement of Assyrian cultural and intellectual heritage.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. DeKelaita virtually and learning from his insights as part of this important discussion on the future of the Nineveh Plains.

12/05/2026

Today, Ambassador Hillel Newman and Deputy Ambassador Amir Meron were pleased to meet with President Hermiz Shahen and fellow members of the Assyrian National Council of Australia.

They discussed the rich history of the Assyrian community, the challenges it faces today, and the longstanding friendship between our peoples.

Thank you for your continued support of Israel. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation in the future!

The Assyrian National Council of Australia was honoured to attend the celebration marking the 78th Independence Day of t...
08/05/2026

The Assyrian National Council of Australia was honoured to attend the celebration marking the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel organised by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies .

On this special occasion, we extend our sincere congratulations to the Australian Jewish community and our best wishes to the people of Israel, as they celebrate the enduring spirit, resilience, and achievements of their nation.

May this occasion bring continued peace, stability, and prosperity to the people of Israel and the wider region.

On Monday, 4 May 2026, we had the honour of attending a banquet hosted by the Chaldean League in NSW in celebration of H...
04/05/2026

On Monday, 4 May 2026, we had the honour of attending a banquet hosted by the Chaldean League in NSW in celebration of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paulis III Nona, marking his election as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church worldwide.

It was a privilege to represent the Assyrian National Council – Australia at this important occasion. On behalf of our Council, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Beatitude and wish him every success in his spiritual mission and leadership. May his service continue to strengthen our people and our churches wherever they are.
We also extend our thanks to the organisers, particularly Councillor Samir Yousif, for hosting this gathering.

On behalf of the Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA), we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible volu...
26/04/2026

On behalf of the Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA), we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible volunteers who helped make this year’s Assyrian New Year celebration one of our most successful events. Your dedication, teamwork, and love for our community truly shine.

A special thank you to our ANCA Committee members and our subsidiary, the Young Assyrians, whose energy and leadership played a vital role in bringing this celebration to life. When our youth take an active role in organising major events, they not only strengthen our cultural traditions but also build the future of our community. Their passion and commitment inspire us all.

Thank you to every single person who contributed, this success belongs to all of you.

بالنيابة عن المجلس القومي الآشوري في أستراليا ، نتقدّم بجزيل الشكر والامتنان لجميع المتطوّعين الذين ساهموا في جعل احتفالات رأس السنة الآشورية لهذا العام واحدة من أنجح فعالياتنا. لقد عكستم بروحكم وتفانيكم أجمل صور العمل الجماعي وخدمة المجتمع.

كما نتوجّه بالشكر إلى أعضاء لجنة المجلس القومي الآشوري وإلى شبابنا الرائعين في منظمة "الشباب الآشوري" على جهودهم الكبيرة ودورهم الحيوي في تنظيم هذا الحدث. عندما يشارك الشباب في مثل هذه الفعاليات، فإنهم لا يحافظون فقط على تراثنا وثقافتنا، بل يبنون أيضًا مستقبلًا أقوى لمجتمعنا. إن حماسهم وطاقتهم مصدر فخر وإلهام لنا جميعًا.

شكرًا لكل من ساهم وشارك
هذا النجاح هو ثمرة جهودكم جميعًا.

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