The Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced that Yazidis, who settled in camps such as Duhok after the genocidal attacks of ISIS in 2014, would fall under the scope of the “integration law.” According to this decision, the camps would be closed, Yazidis would remain permanently in their current locations, and they would lose their refugee status.
In a letter sent to the ministry, The Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) described this step as “a continuation of the genocide and an attempt to alter the demographics of Shengal.”
The letter emphasized that instead of taking such dangerous decisions, the Iraqi government should rebuild the homes of Yazidis and develop projects to ensure their return.
The statement said: “Uprooting our people from their lands is the continuation of genocide. On the one hand, thousands of ISIS mercenaries are being pardoned and released from prisons, while on the other hand Yazidis are prevented from returning to their lands. If Yazidis do not return, who will protect them? The reality of the 2014 genocide is still before our eyes.”
TAJÊ conveyed the following demands to the Iraqi government:
– The decision taken on August 20 must be revoked.
– Conditions should be provided for the return of Yazidis, and their homes should be rebuilt.
– Projects that create employment in Shengal should be developed to support the people’s return to their lands.