Photo: REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
The Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR) strongly condemns the recent hate speech and false accusations made against the Yazidi community in Iraq for the alleged burning of a mosque in Sinjar on April 27, 2023. C4JR stands in solidarity with Yazidis, and demands that they, like all of Iraq’s diverse communities, be treated with respect and dignity.
The resurgence of violent rhetoric against the Yazidi community is particularly alarming as the community arrives at a critical juncture in the recovery and reparations process following the genocide committed by ISIS and as outlined in the Yazidi Survivor’s Law (YSL). With several thousand Yazidi women, men, girls, and boys remaining in ISIS captivity, reported to be missing, or presumed dead, dehumanizing language and misattributed blame directed toward the Yazidi community threatens to roll back efforts to rebuild social cohesion in the aftermath of conflict, and reinforces divisive and exclusionary ideologies that threaten the fabric of this culturally diverse region.
With the passage of the YSL, the Government of Iraq (GOI) committed to not only provide moral and financial compensation to survivors of the Yazidi genocide and those affected from the Shabak, Christian, and Turkmen communities, but also to secure a decent life for these minority groups, including by supporting their rehabilitation, taking necessary measures to facilitate reintegration, and preventing the recurrence of violations (See: Article 4, Iraq Law No.8 of 2021). It is therefore imperative that government stakeholders take swift action to ensure that the Yazidi community is protected against the recent surge in false accusations and hate speech, and that this dangerous rhetoric is loudly and strongly condemned.
C4JR equally calls upon the international community to continue their efforts and take active measures to prevent and combat hate speech and violence against Yazidis, other minorities, and those speaking on their behalf.
Finally, C4JR calls on all individuals and communities to reject hate speech and violence, and to instead promote understanding, dialogue, coexistence and respect for all faiths and cultures, working to preserve the rich diversity that has long been the legacy of this cradle of civilization.
The Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR), with the support of IOM Iraq, is publishing regular newsletters on the Yazidi Survivors Law (YSL) in three languages. Check out the Eighth Newsletter now, in English, Arabic, and Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji).
The eighth issue of the Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR) newsletter covers:
- Reparation Payments: The Directorate for Survivors’ Affairs has disbursed reparations to 1,975 survivors covered by the YSL in August 2024.
- UNITAD Reports: UNITAD has recently released several key reports on ISIL's international crimes in Iraq, concluding that ISIL's actions likely constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Yazidis, Shi’a Turkmen, Christian communities, and other minorities.
- End of UNITAD’s Mandate: Following the conclusion of UNITAD’s mandate, C4JR’s Criminal Justice Working Group published a statement emphasizing the urgent need for the Iraqi government to pass legislation enabling the prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
- New Toolkit Released: C4JR and Jiyan Foundation released their Ethical Engagement Toolkit, to guide NGOs and journalists in engaging with survivors to address key issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and cultural sensitivity, designed for various contexts.
- Yazidi Genocide Commemoration: On the tenth anniversary, Yazidi civil society held a commemoration in Solagh, Sinjar, honoring victims and demanding justice from the Iraqi government and international community, by prosecuting ISIS terrorists, rebuilding Yazidi areas, compensating survivors, and ensuring legal reforms to prevent future atrocities.
- UN Special Rapporteur Report: The UN Special Rapporteur’s report calls for action against sexual torture in wartime and will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 25. The report acknowledges contributions from the Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights and other stakeholders during a study visit to Iraqi Kurdistan.
- Challenges and Recommendations: The newsletter presents an overview of the outstanding challenges faced by survivors applying to the YSL and recommends measures to ease YSL application burdens.
- Get to Know C4JR Members: Learn more about Emma Human Development Organization, which provides legal and psychological services to ISIL survivors.
🗣 The newsletter is available in Arabic, Sorani, and Kurmanci.
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