The brutality and inhumanity of the Islamic State (ISIS) resulted in significant damage to Sinjar and its neighboring areas in Northern Iraq. The victims of ISIS remain severely impacted, struggling to rebuild their lives and families. In a recent report by Adam Coogle, the Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch, the situation for many victims of ISIS in Sinjar is bleak.
Under Iraqi Law No. 20, victims of war operations, military mistakes, and terrorist operations can claim compensation for the damages incurred. However, the compensation process is expensive and complicated, and the Iraqi authorities have failed to provide enough support to the Sinjaris to begin a successful rebuilding process. The application process remains plagued by bottlenecks, and the funds allocated under the law have not been distributed.
While nearly half of the 10,500 applications filed by Sinjaris have been approved, not a single family has received payment under the law. This contrasts with other areas of Iraq, where the victims have received compensation. Salim, a victim whose farm was destroyed, and his furniture stolen by ISIS, returned to his village in 2016 and was supposed to file a claim in 2021. However, he could not afford the fees previously associated with the process, and it remains unclear if he will complete the application.
The dire situation of the Sinjaris demands urgent attention and action from the Iraqi government. Compensation can be a lifeline for the victims of ISIS, providing them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. The Iraqi government should streamline the compensation process and provide the necessary aid to Sinjaris.
It’s worth noting that Yazidis, a religious minority that faced significant abuses at the hands of ISIS, were eligible to apply under the Yazidi Survivors Law, a law not available to most Sinjaris. A few Yazidis have received compensation, while almost 200,000 Sinjaris remain displaced following years of conflict.
The Iraqi government should realize that its failure to help the Sinjaris is an injustice to the victims of the war against ISIS. Compensation remains crucial towards the efforts of refugees in Saraya camp, which accommodates some of the Sinjaris displaced by the conflict. The government should act to help those impacted by the actions of ISIS and offer assistance so that they can rebuild their lives and look towards the future with hope.
<< photo by Levi Meir Clancy >>
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