Shengal (Sinjar) – On 20 August, Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced it would apply the “Integration Law” to those displaced by ISIS attacks on 3 August 2014, who were settled in camps such as those in Dohuk. Under this law, displaced persons would remain permanently in their current locations and lose their official status as IDPs. 

The decision has sparked concern within the Yazidi community, which views it as a continuation of genocide and an attempt at demographic change in Shengal (Sinjar).  

In response, the diplomatic committee of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Êzîdî-TAJÊ) called on the ministry to revoke the decision immediately. 

‘The Iraqi government has failed in its responsibilities’ 

The Yazidi Free Women’s Movement (TAJÊ) said in its letter that instead of facilitating the return of Yazidis to their ancestral lands, the Iraqi government is imposing dangerous laws that amount to a continuation of genocide. 

 

“Following the August 3, 2014 attack on Shengal (Sinjar), hundreds of thousands of Yazidis were forcibly displaced, homes were destroyed, and the region’s infrastructure was devastated. The government was supposed to build new housing for displaced families to enable their return, but to this day, these obligations remain unmet. The government has failed in its responsibilities toward Shengal (Sinjar),” the movement stated. 

TAJÊ added: “On August 20, the Ministry of Migration and Displacement issued a decision stating that if displaced people do not return to their areas by the beginning of next year, they will lose their refugee status, be considered permanent residents in the areas where they were displaced, and have their files as displaced persons closed.” 

‘Unifying all camps is a dangerous decision’ 

In its letter, the Yazidi Free Women’s Movement (TAJÊ) criticized Iraq’s decision to unify all Yazidi camps, calling it “extremely dangerous.” The movement stated: “Recently, the ministry announced plans to consolidate all camps. We view this decision as highly risky. It serves political interests, not the needs of our community, and represents a demographic change. We, Yazidi women and the broader Yazidi community, reject and do not accept this decision.” 

The letter added that uprooting Yazidis from their lands constitutes a continuation of genocide. TAJÊ also highlighted the risks posed by the recent general amnesty, which released thousands of ISIS fighters from Iraqi prisons, warning that Yazidis remain vulnerable to new attacks if they are not allowed to return home. “How will they protect themselves, and who will protect them? The reality of the 2014 genocide is still before our eyes,” the organization stressed. 

TAJÊ’s demands 

At the conclusion of its letter, the Yazidi Free Women’s Movement (TAJÊ) presented the following demands to Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displacement: “The August 20 decision must be revoked. Opportunities must be provided for displaced persons, homes must be rebuilt, and development projects implemented in Shengal (Sinjar) so that Yazidis can return to their original areas.” ب