Iraqi, Syrian indigenous communities' extinction 'not inevitable,' says Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight

The head of Christian brotherhood Knights of Columbus said during a congressional subcomittee hearing that Christians in Iraq and Syria are in the brink of extinction, but there is still a way to avert this.

"The world's greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II is unfolding now in the Middle East. In addition to millions of refugees, many of the region's indigenous communities now face extinction. These communities may disappear in less than a decade," Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said. "But their fate is not inevitable." 

Anderson was testifying to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in the hearing called "The ISIS Genocide Declaration: What Next?"

The United States, he said, may still be able to do something to keep this tragedy from happening. Among the things he recommended was an increase in humanitarian aid, and an oversight should be provided to make certain that these reach those who are targeted by genocide.

"Support the long-term survival of indigenous religious and ethnic communities by supporting their right to remain in their country," he said.

Moreover, Anderson expressed that assistance should be provided so that genocide victims could attain refugee status, and the U.S. should "prepare now for foreseeable human rights challenges as ISIS-controlled territory is liberated and civilians flee the violence. Condition humanitarian and military assistance to governments in the region on their meaningful commitment to human rights."

He also said that perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide ought to be punished.

Anderson likewise discussed the issue of Christian leaders receiving aid only from private donors and not from the United Nations or the U.S. government. He said the help of the United States and international organizations is necessary.

Finally, he said, "Promote the establishment of internationally agreed upon standards of human rights and religious freedom as conditions for humanitarian and military assistance." 

Other leaders also testified during the hearing, namely: Johnny Oram, executive director of the Chaldean Assyrian Business Alliance; Sarhang Hamasseed of the U.S. Institute of Peace; and David Crane of Syracuse University College of Law.