Measures being taken to protect Yazidi’s in Iraq and Syria are a facade by international community

Introduction

Several measures are being taken to protect Yazidi communities in Iraq and Syria, though significant challenges remain. These efforts span multiple areas:

Security Measures

The Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities, in collaboration with international forces, are working to dismantle extremist groups and prevent further attacks on Yazidi populations.

There are efforts to incorporate Yazidis into local security forces to enhance protection of their communities.

The UN-brokered Sinjar Agreement of 2020 between the Iraqi Federal Government and Kurdistan Regional Government aims to stabilize and secure the Sinjar area for displaced Yazidis to return.

Legal and Justice Initiatives

In 2021, Iraq passed the Yazidi Survivors Law to provide reparations for Yazidi, Christian, Turkmen, and Shabak survivors of ISIS violence.

Criminal proceedings against ISIS perpetrators are ongoing, though accessibility for survivors remains a challenge.

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice is working on accountability efforts for crimes committed against Yazidis.

Humanitarian and Development Support

International organizations and NGOs continue to provide aid and support for displaced Yazidis, coordinated through the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster in Iraq.

Nadia’s Initiative is implementing community-driven sustainable development programs in Sinjar, focusing on education, healthcare, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment.

The U.S. government, through agencies like the State Department and USAID, is authorized to provide relief for Iraqi and Syrian religious and ethnic minority victims of genocide.

Resettlement and Reintegration Efforts

The Iraqi government has announced plans to close IDP camps and provide financial assistance for reconstruction to returning families.

There are initiatives to create employment incentives and reserve certain jobs for returnees in their home regions.

Programs are being developed to offer psychological support for Yazidi survivors.

International Advocacy

Global advocacy efforts continue to keep the Yazidi genocide and current struggles in the international spotlight.

There are calls for incorporating the history of the Yazidi genocide into Iraqi and Kurdish educational curricula to foster understanding and prevent future atrocities.

Still all these efforts are failing ? Why?

Despite efforts by Iraq and the international community to protect the Yazidi population, Turkey continues to conduct military operations in northern Iraq, including areas inhabited by Yazidis, for several reasons:

Ongoing Conflict with PKK

Turkey justifies its actions as part of its long-standing conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization.

Turkish operations target areas where the PKK allegedly operates, including regions near Sinjar, a Yazidi homeland.

But that does not mean you will cross international borders and start ethnic cleansing by hook or crook?

Limited International Response

While there has been international recognition of the Yazidi genocide by ISIS, the response to current threats, including Turkish military operations, has been limited.

The lack of consistent international pressure allows Turkey to continue its cross-border operations without significant repercussions.

Complex Regional Dynamics

The presence of various armed groups in the region, including PKK-affiliated forces and Iran-backed militias, complicates efforts to protect Yazidi areas.

Turkey’s operations often overlap with areas where PKK networks intertwine with other local forces, including Yazidi militias.

Weak Iraqi Sovereignty

Iraq’s limited ability to secure its borders and assert control over its territory enables Turkey to conduct operations with relative impunity.

The Iraqi government’s focus on combating ISIS and internal political challenges has left it less capable of preventing Turkish incursions.

Strategic Objectives

Turkey aims to create a “security corridor” along its border with Iraq and Syria, which includes areas inhabited by Yazidis.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has explicitly stated that the Sinjar region must be “cleared” of PKK presence, highlighting Turkey’s strategic focus on the area.

Despite international concerns and Iraq’s formal complaints to the UN Security Council, Turkey continues to prioritize its perceived security interests over the protection of vulnerable populations like the Yazidis. The situation remains complex, with multiple actors involved and conflicting geopolitical interests at play.

We believe Iraq is playing an equal role in allowing Turkish forces to enter Iraqi borders as its violation of international law. Also why has Edrogan made 20 visits to Iraq so far? Why is he welcomed?

Conclusion

Despite these measures, significant challenges persist.

Many Yazidis remain displaced, fearing for their safety if they return home.

The implementation of protection and support programs has been inconsistent, and the community continues to face threats from extremist groups and ongoing instability in the region.

Continued international support and pressure on local governments remain crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of Yazidi communities in Iraq and Syria.