Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani orders justice for displaced Yezidis, paving way for return to Shigur (Shengal / Sinjar)

SHIGUR, Iraq — In response to the ongoing challenges facing the return of displaced Yezidis to their homes in Shigur (Shengal / Sinjar), Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, issued a directive to address key issues hindering their resettlement. After being driven from their homes during the Islamic State’s (ISIS) brutal assault in 2014, and despite the liberation of the region in 2017, Yezidis face persistent obstacles, particularly in reconstruction and security.

Prime Minister al-Sudani has instructed the Ministries of Planning, Finance, Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works, alongside the Central Bank of Iraq and the Nineveh Governor’s Office, to ensure justice in the distribution of residential lands. His directive emphasizes that these actions must avoid any demographic changes in Shigur.

Additionally, al-Sudani ordered measures to support Yezidi and other minority citizens in Shigur, Qahtaniyah, Bashiqa, Tel Keppe (Tel Kayf), and Shekhan districts, by including them in housing loans and government initiatives based on their place of birth. These initiatives are supported by the Real Estate Bank, the Housing Fund, and the Central Bank of Iraq.

Khalaf Shankali, the Prime Minister’s advisor for Yezidi affairs, hailed this directive as a significant step, noting that it is the first of its kind in 50 years. He emphasized that the directive will be implemented soon, providing Yezidi citizens with access to land and housing loans, offering a crucial lifeline for those seeking to return and rebuild their lives in Shigur.