Bylaws

First Reading of the Proposed Amendments to the Assyrian Parliament Bylaws

August 19, 2026

Article I: Name and Purpose 

Preamble

We are now faced with a momentous challenge as a people. We are dispersed and no longer form a critical mass in our homeland. We are thus faced with an existential question: shall we persevere as a people, a nation, a community, or will we disappear? If we do nothing, time will end our existence in the far-flung corners of the world. We do not desire this outcome. In recognition of this necessity, we establish the Assyrian Parliament as a structured, representative, and democratic institution to consolidate our efforts, advocate for our rights, and provide a coherent leadership platform for Assyrians worldwide.

For centuries, the Assyrian people have endured ongoing persecution and discrimination in their historical Assyrian homeland. During World War I (1914–1918), over 700,000 Assyrians were killed in a genocide, and the majority of their historical Assyrian homeland territories — stretching from Urmia, Hakkari, and Tur Abdin — were lost, amounting to three-quarters of their ancestral land of Assyria. This was followed by massacres committed against Assyrians in the historical Assyrian homeland known as the “Assyrian Triangle,” which stretches between the Great Zab River, the Tigris River, and the present-day border of Turkey — including the massacre in the village district of Simele, where more than 3,000 Assyrians were killed and 64 Assyrian villages were destroyed in 1933.

During the Kurdish movement in 1961, our Assyrian villages were burned and populations displaced, followed by the tragedy of the village of Surya in 1969, and campaigns of killing and displacement such as the Anfal campaign in 1988, during which 182 Assyrian villages along the Turkish border strip were destroyed.

More recent events, including attacks since 2003 and the displacement caused by terrorist organizations beginning in 2014, have further devastated Assyrian communities through the destruction of cultural and religious heritage, forced displacement, loss of life, captivity, and other crimes against humanity. Collectively, these events have resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.5 million Assyrians from their ancestral homeland, posing a grave threat to the continuity of the Assyrian people, their culture, historical presence, and national heritage.

Between 1840 and 1990, we lost nearly 95% of our historical lands due to occupation, supported or tolerated by governing authorities, contributing to the erosion of the Assyrian presence in our homeland.

In light of these historical injustices and ongoing challenges, and recognizing our status as an indigenous people, we affirm our right to self-determination under international law. Accordingly, the Assyrian Parliament is hereby established as a legitimate, representative, and democratic institution grounded in the collective will and sovereign agency of the Assyrian nation.

Foundational Constitutional Principles

The Assyrian Parliament is founded upon and derives its legitimacy from the existence of the Assyrian Nation.

The Assyrian Nation, Assyrian Identity, Assyrian Culture, Assyrian Heritage, the Historical Homeland of the Assyrian People, and the Assyrian Language constitute the permanent and foundational constitutional principles of the Assyrian Parliament.

The fundamental principles (Assyrian identity, culture, history, language…) shall not be subject to amendment, repeal, suspension, reinterpretation, replacement, dilution, or modification by any vote, resolution, bylaw amendment, committee decision, or governing body of the Assyrian Parliament.

Any action seeking to alter these principles shall be considered outside the constitutional authority of the Assyrian Parliament and shall not be recognized as a valid act of the Assyrian Parliament.

The bylaws will be reviewed annually for edits and additional amendments, other than the fundamental principles.

 

Section 1: Name

The official name of this organization shall be the Assyrian Parliament (AP).

Section 2: Purpose

The Assyrian Parliament is established to justly represent the Assyrian people as an indigenous nation dispersed throughout the world, to defend their rights, preserve their language, culture, and heritage, and advocate for their political standing on both international and domestic levels.

The specific objectives of the Parliament include:

1) To coordinate and unify Assyrian institutions worldwide, including federations, associations, nonprofit organizations, unions, and community bodies, in pursuit of collective national action.

2) To advocate for the recognition of the Assyrian people as an indigenous nation and to represent their interests before governments, international organizations, and civil society, while promoting solidarity and communication among Assyrian communities globally.

3) To develop and support initiatives that promote education, cultural and linguistic preservation, social advancement, and political empowerment of Assyrians globally.

4)To establish, preserve, and strengthen the legal, organizational, Assyrian cultural heritage, and institutional framework necessary to advance and safeguard the interests, rights, and aspirations of the Assyrian people, in accordance with democratic principles, international law, and all applicable domestic laws.

 

5) To serve as a unified and legitimate representative voice of the Assyrian people and to advance their collective interests, including the long-term pursuit of self-determination on their ancestral homeland and the protection and promotion of their rights under international law.

6) To operate as a democratic institution committed to justice, human rights, equality, transparency, and peaceful international engagement.

7) To advance economic empowerment in the Assyrian homeland by supporting sustainable development, revitalizing Assyrian towns and villages, and contributing to the development of essential infrastructure necessary for the long-term stability, continuity, and dignity of the Assyrian people on their ancestral lands.

 

Section 3: Foundational Principles

The Assyrian Parliament (AP) is founded upon the following principles:

  • The Assyrian People

The Assyrians are an indigenous people with a continuous and documented presence extending over thousands of years. They possess a distinct language, culture, heritage, and national identity rooted in a rich historical and civilizational legacy. Despite their global dispersion, the Assyrian people constitute one nation and are entitled to representative institutions that protect, promote, and advance their political, social, economic, cultural, and linguistic rights and interests, while affirming and preserving their enduring connection to their ancestral homeland, history, and heritage.

  • Democratic Legitimacy

The Assyrian Parliament shall be elected through free, fair, and transparent democratic elections. The initial parliamentary term shall be two (2) years, after which general elections shall be held at least once every four (4) years. Special or ad hoc elections may be conducted when deemed necessary by the Parliament in accordance with these Bylaws.

  • Legal Compliance

The Assyrian Parliament shall operate in accordance with international law, including recognized human rights frameworks, and comply with all applicable domestic laws in jurisdictions where it operates or is registered.

  • Peaceful and Non-Partisan Mission

The Assyrian Parliament shall function as a peaceful, non-profit, non-partisan, democratic and political institution, and shall not engage in violence or activities that compromise its independence or integrity.

  • Rejection of all Forms of hatred
    The Assyrian Parliament unequivocally rejects antisemitism in all its forms. As a people who have endured genocide, persecution, and displacement, it affirms solidarity with all communities subjected to hatred and violence. The Parliament further opposes all forms of racism, religious intolerance, and ethnic discrimination, and is committed to upholding the principles of human dignity, coexistence, and mutual respect.

Article II: Structure

Section 1: Assyrian Parliament (AP):

The AP shall serve as the primary representative and decision-making body, and its members shall be elected through free and fair elections conducted globally, both online and in person, in accordance with these bylaws.

 

The AP shall represent Assyrians worldwide as one nation and act in coordination with Assyrian organizations and institutions globally to serve the Assyrian nation and its interests.

AP General Body (GB)

  • AP General Body (GB)
    1. All elected AP members shall collectively form the General Body (GB) of the AP.
    2. GB shall consist of BOD & elected representatives
  • The GB shall meet at least once annually, or more frequently as required.
  1. Assyrian Parliament (AP) shall be composed of elected members with Board of Directors and General Body. The AP shall include representatives of Assyrian organizations and independent candidates elected through the ANA electoral process. The number of elected members is open to expansion upon the need and approval of the AP at large

 

 

 

  • AP Board of Directors (BOD)

The AP shall elect a Board of Directors (BOD) consisting of no more than nine (9) members, responsible for executive oversight, governance, and operational decision-making.

  1. The BOD is composed of the following:

Chairperson: Leads the BOD and GB, oversees operations, and serves as the principal representative of the Assyrian Parliament in official and international matters.

 

Vice-Chairperson: Assists the Chairperson and acts in their place when required.

 

Treasurer: Oversees financial management, reporting, and transparency.

Secretary: Responsible for record-keeping, documentation, and administrative coordination.

Other Roles: Additional roles may be created based on operational needs, as approved by the AP.

The AP shall establish Board of Directors selected by the GB, consisting of qualified individuals – Assyrian or non-Assyrian – based on expertise and experience. The BOD shall be responsible for implementing programs, initiatives, and operational activities of the AP through defined sub-committees aligned with strategic priorities.

Section 2: Legal Registration and Status

1) The Assyrian Parliament shall pursue registration with appropriate international and national authorities, including the United Nations, the European Union, and relevant host countries where appropriate.

2) The Assyrian Parliament shall operate in full compliance with applicable international law and domestic legal frameworks in all jurisdictions of registration.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

1) Membership in the Assyrian Parliament (AP) shall be open, inclusive, and merit-based, and available to:

  1. a) representatives of duly registered Assyrian organizations;
  2. b) independent Assyrian professionals, intellectuals, and community contributors; and
  3. c) recognized Assyrian community leaders with demonstrated involvement and credibility.

 

2) Each candidate for membership must:

  1. a) identify as Assyrian
  2. b) be at least twenty one (21) years of age;
  3. c) be capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the role;
  4. d) not exceed two (2) consecutive terms (total of 8 years) of service, unless otherwise approved by majority vote under exceptional circumstances; and
  5. e) not serve as a formal representative, employee, or agent of any foreign government, organization, or entity where a conflict of interest may arise.

3) All elected or appointed members shall, prior to assuming office, take an oath affirming that      they:

  1. a) have no undisclosed affiliations, funding, or directives from any foreign government, Intelligence agency, or political entity that may conflict with the interests of the Assyrian people;
  2. b) will act in good faith and uphold the mission, values, and bylaws of the AP; and
  3. c) will perform their duties with integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Section 2: Representation

  • Any Assyrian organization elected to the AP must, within eight (8) days of the announcement of election results, designate a representative to exercise its membership rights and responsibilities within the AP.

2) Such representative shall meet all eligibility requirements set forth in Section 1 of this Article and be accountable for participation, communication, and decision-making within the AP.

 

Section 3: Rights and Responsibilities

1)Rights of Members – All members of the AP shall have the right to:

  1. a) participate fully in deliberations, discussions, and official sessions;
  2. b) vote on all matters brought before the AP;
  3. c) propose motions, resolutions, and amendments to bylaws or policies;
  4. d) serve on committees, subcommittees, or working groups; and
  5. e) access relevant information necessary to perform their role effectively, subject to confidentiality requirements.

 

2) Responsibilities of Members – All members of the AP shall:

  1. a) act in the best interests of the Assyrian people and uphold the objectives of the AP;
  2. b) maintain professionalism, respect, and constructive engagement in all proceedings;
  3. c) regularly communicate and report back to their respective organizations or constituencies;
  4. d) contribute, where possible, financial, professional, or in-kind support to the work of the AP; and
  5. e) comply with all policies, codes of conduct, and governance requirements established by the AP.

Section 4: Termination

1) Grounds for Termination – Membership of any individual or organization may be revoked if such member:

  1. a) disrupts proceedings or obstructs the functioning of the AP;
  2. b) acts in violation of the mission, objectives, or bylaws of the AP;
  3. c) engages in conduct that damages the integrity, credibility, or reputation of the AP;
  4. d) fails to meet participation or performance expectations without reasonable justification; or
  5. e) breaches conflict of interest or integrity obligations.

 

2) Procedure – Revocation of membership shall follow a fair and transparent process, including written notice of the concerns, an opportunity for the member to respond or be heard, and a majority vote of the AP in session. Appeals may be submitted to the BOD, whose decision shall be final.

Article IV: Elections

Section 1: Elections Participants

The AP shall be elected through a democratic, transparent, and inclusive electoral process, conducted both in person and through secure digital platforms.

1) Representatives of Assyrian federations, unions, and associations duly elected or appointed through recognized internal processes may participate.

2) Representatives of legally registered Assyrian organizations, including non-profit, cultural, educational, and community-based entities, may participate.

3) Individual Assyrian participants who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in these bylaws may participate

4) The Election Committee (ELC), with approval from the AP where necessary, may make limited procedural adjustments to participation requirements to ensure inclusivity and operational feasibility, provided transparency and fairness are maintained.

5) All participants must complete a formal registration process prior to voting to ensure eligibility, verification, and integrity of the electoral process.

6) Digital sessions shall be permissible for elections and urgent or ad hoc global meetings, provided appropriate verification and procedural safeguards are in place.

 

Section 2: Election Rules

  • An election committee of minimum (3) qualified individuals (in odd numbers) assigned by administration and a minimum of (3) observers selected from volunteers at the conference. Any complaints about the election committee (oversight committee) shall be handled by the conference administration or their delegates and resolved before the election results finalized.
    • Election committee members shall not be candidates for election

1) An Election Administrative and Legal Committee (ELC) shall be established, consisting of a minimum of three (3) qualified individuals, preferably an odd number, appointed by t administration. A minimum of three (3) independent election observers shall be appointed to monitor and verify the integrity of the election process. Members of the ELC and observers shall be independent and shall not be candidates in the election. Any complaints or disputes relating to the election process shall be submitted formally to the ELC and resolved prior to the finalization of election results.

  • The criteria may be proposed by election committee to AP for final voting with a simple majority. The Election committee shall comply with the decisions. 2) Any election procedures or criteria proposed by the ELC must be approved by the AP through a simple majority vote prior to implementation, and the ELC shall comply with those decisions.

3) Each organization shall be represented by one authorized voting representative.

4) The ELC shall review and verify the eligibility of all voters and candidates.

 

5) Voting shall be democratic, secure, private, and verifiable. The ELC shall establish and enforce procedures for identity verification and voting integrity.

Section 3: Election Candidates

The election of the AP shall be conducted in accordance with the following rules:

 

1) Candidates shall identify as Assyrian and demonstrate a clear and credible connection to the Assyrian community, supported by verifiable references, community involvement, or recognized standing.

 

2)There shall be no discrimination based on sex, language, religion, or similar limitation, provided the minimum eligibility requirements are met. All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of competency, integrity, and commitment to the Assyrian cause.

3) Candidates must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and possess either formal education or equivalent professional, community, or leadership experience demonstrating their capacity to contribute effectively to the objectives of the Assyrian Parliament.

4) Candidates shall not be active members of armed groups, militias, or hold official positions representing non-Assyrian political entities where a real or perceived conflict of interest may arise.

5) Candidates shall not be under sanction, subject to prior removal, or under formal investigation by the AP for conduct that undermines the integrity, credibility, or mission of the AP.

6) The Administrative and Legal Committee, together with the Oversight Committee once formally established, shall vet each applicant’s eligibility through a structured and transparent review process, including background verification and, where appropriate, formal interviews. Following review, the Committee Chair shall submit a formal recommendation to the Board of Directors (BOD) for final approval of each candidate.

7) Verification shall be completed no later than ten (10) days prior to the start of the election. For special elections, the verification period may be shortened to a minimum of three (3) days, subject to justification and approval by the Election Committee.

8) Elections may be opened up to one (1) month prior to the annual Conference to allow sufficient time for candidate review, approval, and voter engagement under the supervision of the Election Committee.

Section 4: Election Process

The election process shall be conducted as follows

1) All voters must be registered and verified by the ELC no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the close of voting.

2) The election period shall be announced at least forty-five (45) days in advance and remain open for a minimum of two (2) weeks, unless otherwise determined under exceptional circumstances. Special elections may be conducted with a shortened timeline, provided that a minimum of seven (7) days’ notice is given.

 

3) The ELC shall provide clear instructions and guidelines prior to the commencement of voting, oversee and administer the voting process from start to finish, and ensure transparency in the counting and verification of votes.

4) All rejected candidates shall have the right to appeal their decision to the Electoral & oversight committee, where a final determination shall be made by majority vote.

 

Article V: Meetings

Section 1: Annual Congress

  • As directed and authorized by the BD, the GB shall convene annually, with the location and date determined by the BD.
  • The Congress agenda shall be distributed at least three months in advance.

Section 2: AP Sessions

  • The AP shall meet as a minimum once every month, either virtually or in person.

Section 3: Quorum and Decision-Making

The General Body (GB), as authorized by the Board of Directors (BOD), shall convene an Annual Congress at least once per calendar year. The date, location, and format – in-person, hybrid, or digital – shall be determined by the BOD, taking into account accessibility, participation, and operational requirements. The Congress agenda shall be prepared and distributed no later than three (3) months in advance, ensuring adequate time for review, preparation, and submission of additional agenda items by members.

Article VI: Finances

Section 1: Funding Sources

  • The AP shall be funded through voluntary contributions, grants, and fundraising activities.

Section 2: Budget and Auditing

  • The AP’s annual budget shall be prepared, reviewed, and approved by the BOD and General Body (GB) through a majority vote. An independent and qualified auditor shall review the financial records annually to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable standards. Financial reports shall be made available to members at least annually.

Section 3: Ownership

All assets of the Assyrian Parliament shall be owned collectively by the AP as a legal entity and managed in accordance with its objectives and applicable laws.

Section 4: Salaries and reimbursements

  • AP representatives and all activists working in sub-committees shall serve on a voluntary basis by default. However, the GB may authorize the BOD to provide compensation for specific roles requiring dedicated time, expertise, or operational necessity, and to approve reimbursements for legitimate expenses incurred in the course of official duties, subject to prior approval and proper documentation. The AP shall operate within its approved budget and maintain financial sustainability and shall not operate in a deficit position unless formally approved under exceptional circumstances with a recovery plan in place.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1: Proposals

Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any member of the AP, the Board of Directors (BOD), or the General Body (GB). All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing, formally lodged with the BOD, and submitted no later than three (3) months prior to the annual conference, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Section 2: Approval

Proposed amendments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the AP for approval. All approved amendments shall take effect immediately unless otherwise specified.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 1: Basis

  • Dissolution of the AP shall only occur where an alternative body is established that adequately fulfils the mission and objectives of the AP, or continuation of the AP is no longer viable due to operational, financial, or structural limitations. Dissolution shall require a majority vote of both the BOD and the GB, together with approval of a formal plan for the distribution of assets in accordance with applicable laws and the objectives of the AP.

Section 2: Procedure

  • A minimum of thirty (30) registered participants shall be required to convene a session to consider dissolution. If fewer than thirty (30) participants are registered thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled conference, the session shall be postponed for a period of up to six (6) months. If, after this period, sufficient participation is still not achieved, the AP shall initiate a formal dissolution process in accordance with these bylaws.

 

Annex A – Election Procedure for the Assyrian National Assembly (ANA)

Article I: Voting rights and eligibility

Section 1

  1. The following criteria must be met to participate in the annual Conference with voting rights:
  2. the person must be Assyrian in accordance with Article III;
  3. the person must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
  4. the person must be registered as a member with the AP no later than thirty (30) days before the Annual Conference; and
  5. a person may not participate as both an individual member and as a representative of an organization.

 

  1. An organization to be affiliated with AP may apply for membership in the AP if it meets all of the following:

    a) Assyrian affiliation — The organization must be Assyrian-led,
    Assyrian‑serving, or demonstrably

engaged in advancing Assyrian cultural, civic, social, or political interests.
      b) Legal registration — The organization must be legally registered in its country of operation (nonprofit, association, charity, cultural body, etc.).
      c)  Active operations — It must have been active for at least one (1) year prior to applying.
      d)  Non‑profit orientation — It must operate on a non‑profit or community‑benefit basis.
      e)  No extremist or discriminatory activity — It must not promote violence, discrimination, or activities contrary  to AP values.

Each approved organization may appoint one (1) primary representative, and one (1) alternate representative,

Article III: Appointment of organization representatives

Section 1

Each organization will have maximum of two representatives.

 

Section 2

The organization’s leadership shall appoint its representatives through a general assembly, internal vote, or board decision.

Section 3

 

The appointed representatives must be submitted in writing to the AP Secretariat no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Annual Conference.

Article IV: Individual members

Section 1

Individual members who are not representing an organization may apply for membership.

Article V: Publication and approval of the membership list

Section 1

The AP Secretariat shall publish a preliminary list of eligible voting members before an ordinary or extraordinary session.  

Section 2

Objections to the list may be submitted no later than five (5) days after publication.

Section 3

The final list of members shall be formally approved at the opening of the session.

Article VI: Term of membership

Section 1

Membership in the Annual Conference shall be valid for one session and shall expire at the conclusion of that conference.

Article VII: Digital participation

Section 1

Participation in the Conference may take place either in person or digitally through a platform approved by the Secretariat.

Section 2

Digital participants shall have the same voting rights as in-person participants, provided they are properly registered and their identity is verified.

*During any election period, the Oversight Committee shall assume the role and responsibilities of the Election Committee and shall be responsible for administering, supervising, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process as described in the bylaws and the guidelines.

The Assyrian International Council shall perform the advocacy duties of the Assyrian Parliament’s Advocacy and Foreign Relations Committee.