Iraqi government promises to take real action to return confiscated Christian property

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government has faced major challenges in addressing the unlawful confiscation of Christian properties in Iraq over the past decades. Despite numerous initiatives and promises, Iraqi authorities have failed to put an end to property violations, even though human rights groups have shed much light on many of the cases.

Legal expert Bahaa al-Tamimi told Shafaq News that Iraqi law is clear on property rights. However, he pointed out the lack of political will and enforcement by the government to hold the perpetrators responsible.

An official from the Ministry of Justice confirmed the complexity of the issue, noting that efforts are being made to reclaim confiscated properties and prevent further violations through coordination between government institutions and security services.

On February 27, the Ministry of Justice held a meeting to resolve this issue and stop property violations in Baghdad and Nineveh. The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers confirmed that this step is based on the recommendations of the committee responsible for protecting the property of vulnerable groups, in accordance with a court order to follow up on this issue.

Justice Minister Khaled Shwani recently held a meeting with Catholicos-Patriarch Mor Gewargis III Younan of the Ancient Church of the East to discuss the protection of Christian property. They discussed the formation of specialized committees to monitor real estate transactions.