Economic Support for Yazidis in 2024

What are the economic support avenues available for Yazidi survivors in 2024?

From an economic perspective, two laws have been enacted to help redress the atrocities the Yazidi community endured at the hands of ISIS. The Yazidi Survivors Law is tasked with specifically helping women who experienced sex crimes.[1] Article 4 of this legislation defines the goal of this law as providing compensation “financially and morally” for these female survivors.[2] Article 5 § (5) provides for helping these women secure job and employment opportunities to help them achieve financial mobility.[3] Further, Article 6 grants female survivors the right to a monthly salary, residential land coupled with a mortgage, education opportunities, and some priority in employment opportunities.[4]

As of 2023, 420 Yazidi women have been granted a monthly stipend under the Yazidi Survivor law.[5] In compliance with the law, these women are paid twice the lowest pension for surviving women. Subsequently, the payout comes to a monthly salary of $650.[6] Although this is a good start, it is worth noting that many of these women have been waiting for almost a decade for this compensation. Further, thousands of women have applied and have yet to receive any compensation.[7]

Law No. 20 of 2009 provides for compensation for any victims of terrorism.[8] Particularly, Article 1 states that “This Law aims to compensate every natural person caused damage as a result of ... war operations ... [and] terrorist operations...”.[9] Article 2 compensates for property damage, damage to employment and education opportunities, medical, and death or missing persons.[10] Additionally, victims' families may apply for compensation based on these criteria.[11]

As of 2023, there have been 10,500 applicants.[12] Five thousand applicants have been approved.[13] Zero have received compensation.[14] Many have complained that the process to receive compensation is lengthy and burdensome. For both the Yazidi Survivors law and Law No. 20 of 2009, many have reported paying between $205 to $762 on administrative, legal, and transportation fees.[15] Further, the compensation promised has been lower than the value of their homes that were destroyed.

In both instances, the clear hold-up in payments needs to be addressed. Both of these laws contain provisions that can be truly life-changing for the Yazidi community. The Iraqi government should be sure to address these inefficiencies and provide the Yazidi community with the compensation that they are entitled to. This economic support can substantially change the economic conditions for Yazidis throughout Iraq. Further, once the Yazidi community achieves economic stability, they can focus more on rebuilding and prospering in other areas.

About the author

William Schroeder joined the YLN team in the spring of 2024. He holds a J.D. from Penn State Law, with concentration recognition in Corporate Law and Practice, Banking and Financial Regulation, Commercial Law, and Antitrust Law. William previously volunteered with Lifting Hands International and helped with their Yazidi refugee initiatives.

Sources

[1] Iraq Law No.8 of 2021 - Yazidi Female Survivors Law.

[2] Id. at Article 4.

[3] Id. at Article 5.

[4] Id. at Article 6.

[5] Ezidi (Yazidi) women survivors law materialized: 420 survivors receive salary. Kirkuknow.

[6] Id.

[7] Id.

[8] Iraq: Law Np. 20 of 2009: Law on Compensation of Victims of War Operations, Military Mistakes and Terrorist Operations.

[9] Id. at Article 1.

[10] Id. at Article 2.

[11] Id. at Article 9.

[12] Iraq: Compensation for isis victims too little, too late. Human Rights Watch.

[13] Id.

[14] Id.

[15] Id.