already has provisions supporting this in Articles 16 and 41, but implementation has been lacking. To truly be able to participate in dialogue and decision-making, we call upon the international community for the following: 1.) Pressure on the Iraqi Government to create an independent authority in charge of compiling quantitative data for the socio-economic factors effecting Assyrians and other minorities in Iraq. This data will allow for informed legislature and directed investments on behalf of the Assyrians and the territories they live in. 2.) As put forward by the Nineveh Center for Research and Development yesterday morning, we too request a visit by the independent expert on minority rights to the Nineveh Plains to witness the currentcondition of the area. 3.) Vocal pressure on the government of Iraq to materialize another promise within its constitution, the rights of indigenous groups in Iraq to self-determination and self-governance on their personal status. These measures combined will create pull factors, encouraging Assyrians to remain in Iraq or to return if they have not yet left the region. The Independent Chair Ms. McDougall rightly stated Monday afternoon that no one can do this work for us, we must help ourselves. We firmly believe change can never be made permanent without internal support and activism, but we are beseeching the international community to realize we have come to a point where we need your help and your support to get back our voice. We need your help to move from a community perceived as obscure and ancient to one that is viable, respected and influential.