Yazidi leader rejects Iraqi Government IDP decision: “Displacement cannot be abolished by political decree”

BAGHDAD- The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons’ recent decision to no longer recognize Yazidis living in displacement camps as official internally displaced persons (IDPs) has drawn strong criticism from the Yazidi community.  

Many have condemned the move as “illogical,” suggesting it is motivated more by political calculations ahead of elections, to be held this November, than by efforts to address a long-standing humanitarian crisis. 

In an interview with BasNews, Jawhar Ali Beg, deputy leader of the Yazidi community questioned the rationale behind the decision: “How can a Yazidi who is unable to return be stripped of their rights as a displaced person?”, questioning the government’s ability to ensure safe returns.” 

“In a situation where the Iraqi government cannot implement the Sinjar Agreement, how can it then decide not to recognize the displaced?” Jawhar Ali Beg added. 

He made the point clear, “This decision can only be made when the situation in all of Iraq, especially Shigur (Sinjar), is suitable for the return of the displaced — when they have been compensated, when services are restored, and above all, when their lives are protected.” 

Ali Beg described the decision as “election propaganda and political posturing,” arguing that such measures should only be taken once conditions in Shigur (Sinjar) and other affected areas are secure.  

The deputy Yazidi leader stressed that the region remains unsafe due to the presence of armed groups and warned that premature measures could jeopardize the community’s security. 

Since 2014, tens of thousands of Yazidis have been living in camps in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, following the takeover by terrorist organization Islamic State of their areas and the atrocities committed against them. Although the terrorist group has been expelled, political and military disputes between Baghdad and Arba’ilo (Arbil), along with the continued presence of armed factions tied to external actors, have made returning home difficult for many families. 

Observers see the Ministry of Migration’s decision as part of a recurring official narrative aimed at reducing the number of IDPs on paper, without bringing real improvements on the ground. “It’s a policy to polish the image rather than a solution to the problem,” a Yazidi activist from Nohadra (Dohuk), said.