Sinjar Reconstruction Stymied by Political Fights in Iraq

Political Dispute Hinders Reconstruction in Sinjar, Iraq

Human Rights Watch reported that the reconstruction of the Sinjar district in northern Iraq, which suffered significant damage due to the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), has been delayed by the political dispute over the administration of the territory. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had announced an allocation of 50 billion Iraqi Dinars (IQD) or approximately $34.2 million, for the reconstruction campaign in April 2023. However, the ongoing political conflict between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has delayed the use of previously allocated funds. Poor essential services and damaged infrastructure have perpetuated the displacement of over 200,000 people, including 85% of the minority Yazidi population since 2014.

Allocation of Funds versus Political Infighting

While the allocation of funds and the initiation of the reconstruction is a positive development, the Human Rights Watch highlights that the delay caused by political infighting between the two governments is hampering the efforts made for the advancement of services and infrastructure. The conflict between the two sides having previously resulted in the failure of returning the over 200,000 Sinjaris displaced since 2014, slow progress underlines the continuance of their plight. The need to prioritize good faith negotiations and full utilization of funding for the reconstruction of Sinjar is crucial to remedy the condition. The Kurdish authorities, as well as the federal government, should focus on the welfare of their citizens rather than prioritizing their administrative control within the region.

Lack of Essential Services Stifles Return

The absence of primary facilities such as access to quality health care, education, and housing harms the Sinjaris’ welfare, hindering their return to their homeland. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 80% of the public infrastructure and 70% of homes in Sinjar Town, the largest city in the district, were destroyed between 2014 and 2017. The absence of electricity and water hinder Sinjaris from making the return, with only 90% of them relying on water trucking and 76% reporting issues with the quality of drinking water, particularly during summers. Additionally, 58% of the residents lack access to a functional secondary school, with an underfunded education system and overcrowded schools.

Philosophical Discussion

The Iraqi Constitution, along with international human rights law, mandates citizens’ rights to health, education, housing, and a decent standard of living, including access to water and electricity. The government should respect these rights, and these needs should take precedence over the disputes for administrative control over Sinjar. The government’s role, particularly in conflict-afflicted regions, is to carry out its operation in a manner that is best for its citizens’ welfare and stability. Providing immediate aid to war-affected areas through the provision of necessities such as shelter, food, water, and medical care, in addition to aiding the reconstruction of the lost infrastructure, all add to the stability of the region.

Editorial

It is crucial for the federal government to prioritize providing essential services with access to electricity, water, housing, healthcare, education, and the creation of jobs to ensure that people are enabled to return to Sinjar. This requires action to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure, implement a plan for the administration of the territory under a joint committee, prioritize the welfare of the displaced people, and come to a sound agreement concerning who will be responsible for the local administration of Sinjar. The negotiations should also include the direct participation of the Sinjaris to ensure their engagement in the decision-making process.

Advice

The engagement from the international community is also essential, and nations should consider playing a role in supporting the reconstruction in Sinjar through funds, technical assistance, and aid. The recent proposal of the Emergency Food Security Fund by Iraq to meet urgent needs like energy and food appears to be a step in the right direction, given the months of political deadlock without a budget. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has urged the Iraqi government to ensure the preservation of local cultures and economic rights, and for them to take an integrated approach to Sinjar, which includes humanitarian aid, impact assessments, and reparations while also addressing the issue of internal displacement underlining needs.

Reconstruction–Iraq,Sinjar,reconstruction,politicalfights