The Yazidi Survivors Law (YSL) is the first law that provides reparations and support for victims of conflict-related sexual violence in Iraq. This law offers satisfaction and financial support to survivors of ISIL atrocities. It also explicitly stipulates that the crimes committed by ISIL amount to genocide and crimes against humanity, for which the perpetrators must be held accountable.
Local and international NGOs are providing technical assistance for YSL implementation. The Council of Ministers agreed to allocate a financial budget to the General Directorate of Survivors Affairs (GDSA), key body established to facilitate YSL implementation. Therefore, we are now developing a mechanism to guide the application and review process. Submission of applications will be also possible through an electronic web portal. Ministry of Education will facilitate access to education for survivors within the 2022 budget.
I hope that financial support for the current budget year will be sufficient to ensure payment of monthly salaries, as envisaged by the YSL, for approximately 3,000 Yazidi and other survivors from Shabak, Turkmen, and Christian communities, covered by the YSL. It is also to be hoped that such budget allocation will be sufficient for ensuring jobs, housing units, and residential plots. I want to stress the importance of employing female survivors at the GDSA and separating the issue of humanitarian assistance from political affairs. At the end, I would like to thank the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, ministries, institutions, international partners, and embassies for their continuous support.
