25th July, 2014
Persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria by members of the group now known as the Islamic State should be treated as a "crime against humanity", according to the Australian Coptic Movement Association.
In a statement released this week, the association condemned the "senseless acts of terror" being committed by members of IS, formerly known as ISIS or ISIL, against Christians and other vulnerable ethnic and religious groups in northern Iraq and Syria.
Thousands of Christians have fled Mosul following an ultimatum issued on Saturday by IS that all non-Muslims either convert to Islam, pay a tax known as Jizya or die by the sword.
"The have left behind their homes and businesses to be ransacked and pillaged," said the ACMA. "Ancient places of worship, frequented by worshippers for hundreds of years, have been seized and sacred artefacts desecrated. Numerous individuals reportedly have been gruesomely killed."
Reports coming out of the Middle East have told of crucifixions and that IS members have been daubing Christian homes and property with the Arabic letter ‘N’, standing for Nazarene. The latter has sparked a worldwide social media campaign in which Christians have shown their support for those suffering in Iraq and Syria by replacing their profile picture with the Arabic letter ‘N’.
The ACMA said this week that it was" gravely concerned" the UN Security Council and international community had "failed to provide a satisfactory response" to the crisis.
"(I)SIS’ systematic efforts to forcibly purge Mosul of its ancient Christian community must be treated as a crime against humanity," it said.
The association has launched an appeal to provide "practical assistance" to Christians who have been forced from their homes with proceeds being distributed by Middle-Eastern-based Assyrian and Syrian organisations to assist refugees with basic needs.
– DAVID ADAMS