PROPOSAL FOR THE THIRD READING (final reading) OF THE BYLAWS OF THE ASSYRIAN PARLIAMENT

September 15th, 2025.

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. We desire that we come together, as our will and capabilities allow, to gather the fragments of our scattered nation where they are, advocate for a strong standing first in our homeland, then to work toward strengthening the diaspora community by proving a systematic, consistent, and coherent leadership platform to work from: Assyrian Parliament. We believe that this is a necessary step toward the preservation, organization, and strengthening of our nation 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 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.

Again, since 2003, new massacres have occurred, sparing not even places of worship such as the Our Lady of Salvation massacre in Baghdad in 2010. Our people faced fierce attacks by terrorist groups since 2014, including the forced displacement of Assyrians from Mosul and the Nineveh Plain, destruction of the Mosul Museum, the cities of Nimrud and Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad), and the historical Assyrian walls of Nineveh. In Baghdida, hundreds of our people were burned in a wedding hall with no accountability. In this way, approximately one and a half million members of the original Assyrian people were intimidated and displaced from their historical lands, forced to leave their homeland that holds their deep roots and ancient civilization.

Once again, since 2003, new massacres have taken place, sparing not even places of worship, as in the Our Lady of Salvation massacre in Baghdad in 2010. Our people have been subjected to brutal attacks by terrorist groups since 2014, including the forced displacement of Assyrians from Mosul and the Nineveh Plain, and the destruction of the Mosul Museum, the cities of Nimrud and Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad), and the Assyrian walls of Nineveh. Similar atrocities occurred in the Assyrian villages along the Khabour River, where terrorists stormed the villages, killing and kidnapping a large number of Assyrians, and displacing and uprooting the remaining population, leading to the depopulation of these indigenous areas. In Baghdeda, hundreds of our people were burned in a wedding hall without any accountability or justice. In this way, approximately one and a half million members of the indigenous Assyrian people were terrorized and forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands, compelled to leave their homeland that holds their deep roots and ancient civilization.

Between 1840 and 1990, we lost nearly 95% of our historical lands due to Kurdish occupation, supported or tolerated by government entities aiming to eliminate the Assyrian presence.

Considering the historical injustices and ongoing suffering endured by the Assyrian people, and in response to the urgent need for structured representation, the Assyrian Parliament is hereby established in accordance with these regulations.

Recognizing our status as the indigenous people of the region and the existential threats facing our continued presence, we affirm that lasting peace, stability, and security can only be achieved through the realization of our right to self-determination. Accordingly, we establish the Assyrian Parliament as a legitimate and representative institution grounded in the collective will and sovereign agency of the Assyrian nation.

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:

To coordinate with Assyrian institutions worldwide, including federations, associations, nonprofit organizations, unions, and community bodies, in pursuit of unified national action.
To advocate for the recognition of the Assyrian people as an indigenous nation and to elevate their concerns before national governments, international organizations, and civil society, while promoting solidarity and communication among Assyrian communities globally.
To develop and support programs that promote education, cultural and linguistic preservation, social advancement, and the political empowerment of Assyrians wherever they reside.
To establish and maintain the legal and institutional infrastructure required to advance the Assyrian cause, in accordance with democratic principles, international law, and the domestic legal frameworks of host countries.
To serve as the official voice of the Assyrian people and to work toward the realization of a sovereign Assyrian state on the ancestral and indigenous lands of Assyria.
To function as a democratic institution committed to justice, human rights, equality, and peaceful international engagement.

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 history spanning thousands of years. They possess a distinct language, vibrant cultural traditions, and a legacy evident in their ancient, classical, and modern contributions. Their material cultural heritage—now dispersed across various states, museums, libraries, and institutions—attests to this enduring identity. As a unified nation, despite global dispersion, the Assyrian people are entitled to representative governance that advocates for their political, social, economic, cultural, and linguistic interests, and that affirms their connection to their ancestral lands and history.

Democratic Legitimacy

The Assyrian Parliament shall be elected democratically through free and fair elections. General elections must be held no less frequently than once every four (4) years.

Legal Compliance

The Assyrian Parliament shall operate in accordance with international law, including human rights conventions recognized by the United Nations, and shall comply with all applicable domestic laws in the jurisdictions in which it is registered or operates.

Peaceful and Non-Partisan Mission

The Assyrian Parliament shall function exclusively as a peaceful, non-profit, political, and democratic institution, and shall refrain from engagement in violent or partisan activities.

Article II: Structure

Section 1: Assyrian National Assembly (ANA):

The ANA is the supreme body of the AP, convening at least once annually.
Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the AP’s work.
- Conducting elections.
- Amending bylaws, rules, and policies.
The ANA serves as the official voter registry of the AP, issuing valid identification/registration cards.
Digital sessions are permissible for elections and urgent or ad hoc global meetings.
ANA sessions shall be chaired by at least three (3) chairpersons, supported by vice-chairs and secretaries as needed.
A preparatory committee shall be appointed to organize ANA meetings.
Membership and voting rights of the ANA are further detailed in Article V.

Section 2: Assyrian Parliament (AP):

The AP is the active supreme representative body between the sessions of the National Assembly, and its members are elected through general elections held worldwide online and in person within the Assembly’s conferences.

AP shall represent the Assyrians around the world as one nation and act on behalf of the Assyrians in coordination with the existing Assyrian organizations to serve the Assyrian nation and its interests.

AP General Body (GB)
1. All AP members create the GB of the AP
2. The GB shall meet at least once a year

The AP shall consist of 33 members, made up of Assyrian organizations and individual Assyrian activists who register as candidates and are elected during the elections conducted by the ANA.

AP Board of Directors (BOD)
1. The AP shall elect the BOD with a maximum of 9 members to meet as often as needed and supervise the AP general meetings and make decisions that are delegated by the GB members to the BOD.
2. The BOD is composed of the following:
  - Chairperson: Leads BOD and GB sessions, operation and represents it in international forums as the head of the Assyrian nation.
  - Vice-Chairperson: Assists the chair and takes his/her place when the chair cannot attend a function due to any reasons.
  - Treasurer: Oversees financial affairs and ensures transparency.
  - Secretary: Shall oversee the keeping of all records of various proceedings.
  - Other Roles: Based on need AP, through the BOD, shall create other roles and other board members can be assigned to those roles.

The Election Committee (ELC) – merge with other documentation on oversight committee
1. The AP shall establish the ELC of minimum (3) qualified members to run the elections and allow a minimum of 3 election observers to verify the election health and validity dependent on region and registration.
The AP shall elect executive committee (EXC)
1. The EXC shall be selected by GB from any Assyrians or non-Assyrians based on their experience and expertise.
2. All members of the AP if selected, can join the EXC or any of its sub-committees in addition of attending to the tasks of AP.

EXC of the AP shall have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under each functioning office and a minimum of 4 assistants, all elected by the AP to be able to lead the Assyrian efforts in various parts of the world.

EXC shall submit its plan for how many sub-committees and positions within those subs it will start with, and it can always expand, or contract based on needs and by the approval of the AP.
The authorities and capacities of the BOD chairperson(s) and CEO of EXC shall be well defined by the GB and BOD.

Section 3: Legal Registration and Status

The Assyrian Parliament shall pursue registration with appropriate international and national authorities, including the United Nations, the European Union, and relevant host countries.
The Assyrian Parliament shall abide by all applicable international and domestic laws in jurisdictions of registration.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Open Membership – Membership in the Assyrian Parliament (“AP”) shall be open to:

Representatives of duly-registered Assyrian organizations;
Independent Assyrian intellectuals;
Recognized community leaders of the Assyrian nation worldwide.

Qualifications of Members – Each candidate for membership must:

Identify as Assyrian;
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
Be of sound mind and body;
Not exceed two (2) consecutive terms of service in the AP;
Not serve as a formal representative, employee, or appointee of any foreign government, adversarial entity, or political agent.

Oath of Integrity – All elected or appointed members shall, prior to assuming office, take an oath affirming that they:
1. Have no ties to, and do not receive funding or directives from, any foreign government, intelligence agency, or political entity whose interests conflict with the advancement of the Assyrian cause;
2. Will faithfully uphold the objectives, mission, and bylaws of the AP.

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.
Such representative shall meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 1 of this Article.

Section 3: Rights and Responsibilities

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

Participate fully in the deliberations, sessions, and initiatives of the AP;
1. Vote on matters brought before the AP;
2. Propose motions, resolutions, and amendments to the bylaws;
3. Serve on committees or subcommittees of the AP.
Responsibilities of Members – All members of the AP shall:
1. Uphold and advance the objectives of the AP;
2. Faithfully report back to their respective organizations or constituencies on the activities of the AP;
3. Contribute to the extent possible, financial or in-kind support toward the mission and administration of the AP.

Section 4: Termination

Grounds for Termination – Membership of any individual or organization may be revoked if such member:
1. Disrupts proceedings of the AP;
2. Acts in violation of the mission, objectives, or bylaws of the AP;
3. Engages in conduct that undermines the dignity, integrity, or credibility of the AP.
Procedure – Revocation of membership shall require a majority vote of the AP in session, following due process and the opportunity for the member to be heard.

Article IV: Elections

Section 1: Elections Participants

The AP shall be elected by the following participants either in person or via online.

Representation can exist from any Assyrian Federation or Assyrian Union elected by Assyrian Associations.
Representative of a legitimate elected Assyrian Associations or nonprofit legally registered Assyrian organization.
Representative of an Assyrian political, cultural, or educational organization.
Election committee with approval of AP can temporarily suspend some of these regulations depending on the election registration and participation.
All participants shall register in advance to be able to participate and vote.

Section 2: Election Rules

The AP shall be elected by the following rules:

An election committee of minimum (3) qualified individuals (in odd numbers) assigned by the ANA 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
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.
Only one of the organization leadership members can represent the organization and other members, if attending, shall vote as individuals.
The Election committee will review the qualifications of voters and candidates.
Voting shall be democratic, safe, secure and private. (Election committee shall establish sufficient protocol to verify eligibility and legitimacy of the vote).

Section 3: Election Candidates

The AP candidates shall be qualified based on the following rules

Candidates shall identify as Assyrian and have Assyrian ancestry with verifiable community members. To establish if a candidate is eligible, he/she shall have at least one of the grandparents known to be an Assyrian person. The verification shall be done by the Election Committee at least 30 days prior to the ANA at the Assyrian World Conference (AWC).
- Special elections can have shorter verification periods (at least 3 days prior to the conference) dependent on election committee discretion
Elections may be open 2 weeks prior to ANA at the AWC, under the supervision of the election committee
There shall be no discrimination based on age, sex, language, experience level, religion or similar limitation imposed on any candidates.
Candidates shall not be a security officer or a political representative of a non-Assyrian nation.
Candidate shall not be banned or under investigation by the AP for any wrongful acts against the interests of AP or Assyrians in general.

Section 4: Election Process

The AP candidates in the ANA shall be elected by the following rules

The voters all shall be registered and verified by the election committee 24 hours before the close of the elections.
Election window shall be announced at least 45 days prior to the start of the 2-week election period
- Special elections window shall be announced at least 7 days prior to election window
The election committee will explain the rules before the elections and conduct the elections after that.
There shall be no less than at least 30 participants both in person and online to hold the ANA or elect the AP.
All rejected candidates have the right to submit a appeal to the ANA and the decision shall be made by the vote of the majority of participants.
When operational, through majority vote, the AP has the right to render exceptions to any limitations that these bylaws may place on the membership of any candidate.

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

A quorum for AP meetings shall consist of a majority of its members.
Decisions shall be made by a simple majority unless otherwise specified.

Article VI: Finances

Section 1: Funding Sources

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

Section 2: Budget and Auditing

AP’s annual budget shall be approved by the BD and GB through a majority vote.
An independent auditor shall review financial records annually.

Section 3: Ownership

The ownership of all assets shall be by AP.

Section 4: Salaries and reimbursements

AP representatives and all activists working in sub-committees by default shall be volunteer workers. However, the GB may authorize the BD to pay members and non-members for the necessary services.
The annual budget shall be approved by GB.
AP shall never end a year in deficit.
AP shall reimburse all activists if they have legitimately purchased goods or paid for services with prior approval of an AP representative.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1: Proposals

Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by any member of the AP, within the BD or GB at least 3 months in advance of an ANA session through writing and delivery to the BD.

Section 2: Approval

Proposed amendments require a two-thirds majority vote at the ANA.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 1: Basis

Dissolution of the AP, based on the existence of another body to replace its mission within the Assyrian nation, shall require a majority vote of the BD and GB and a plan for the disposition of its assets to the appropriate non-profit organization as required by law.

Section 2: Procedure

In the event of dissolution, there shall be no less than 30 participants to hold the conference or elect the AP. If fewer than 30 participants registered 30 days before the conference day, the conference shall be postponed to a maximum of 6 months later. If there were not enough participants after 6 months, the AP shall start the process of dissolution.

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

Article I: Composition

Section 1

The ANA consists of:

Representatives appointed by Assyrian organizations registered with the Assyrian Parliament (AP), and
Individual members who meet the criteria of Article III and are registered with the AP.

Article II: Voting rights and eligibility

Section 1

The following criteria must be met to participate in the ANA with voting rights:

The person must be Assyrian in accordance with Article III.
The person must be at least 18 years of age.
The person must be registered as a member with the AP no later than 30 days before the ANA session.
A person may not participate as both an individual member and as a representative of an organization.

Article III: Appointment of organization representatives

Section 1

A registered organization is allocated representatives based on the following scale:

1–49 members: 1 representative
50–99 members: 2 representatives
100 or more members: 3 representatives

Section 2

The organization’s leadership appoints 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 21 days before the ANA session.

Article IV: Individual members

Section 1

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

Section 2

The total number of individual members may not exceed 30% of the total number of voting members in the ANA.

Article V: Publication and approval of the membership list

Section 1

The ANA Secretariat shall publish a preliminary list of eligible voting members no later than 14 days before an ordinary or extraordinary session.

Section 2

Objections to the list may be submitted no later than 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 ANA is valid for one session and expires at the conclusion of that session.

Section 2

For each new session (ordinary or extraordinary), new appointments or registrations must take place.

Article VII: Digital participation

Section 1

Participation in the ANA 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.