On 3 August, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU, called for an improvement in the situation of the Yezidis in Iraq.
While acknowledging the Iraqi government’s commitment to protecting and improving the situation of people from vulnerable communities in the country, including the Yezidis, the High Representative stressed that the Yezidi community in Iraq continues to face significant challenges. “These include various obstacles preventing displaced persons from returning to their homes, particularly in Sinjar/Shingal, and limited access to basic social services and security problems, such as the recent episodes of incitement to hatred, which the EU strongly condemns,” he explained.
In its statement, the EU called on the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Governments to continue implementing the Sinjar agreement of October 2020, in particular to appoint a mayor for Sinjar, “which will pave the way for the other provisions of the agreement, including the restoration of key civilian services”. “With the adoption of the federal budget, the recruitment of 2,500 local security agents, as provided for in the agreement, will be able to proceed without further delay”, he added.
The EU welcomed the adoption of the law on surviving Yezidi women, considering that, for its full implementation, it was necessary to facilitate better access to the compensation provided for by the law. It also welcomed the decree on Yezidi land ownership, and looked forward to concrete measures to ensure its rapid and full implementation.
Stressing the need to find lasting solutions, the EU also encouraged the Iraqi authorities to broaden their support for the Yezidi community through specific initiatives and from a gender equality perspective.
The EU has also called for justice for victims and survivors, and for local engagement with communities to create the conditions for their safe and dignified return to their homes, and for compensation payments to continue. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)