5 minute read
Ensuring Religious Diversity in Iraq
from 2019 Sulaimani Forum
by Awder4
Stephanie Dobitsch Advisor to the Vice President of the United States for the Middle East Hadi Baba Shaykh Representative of Baba Shaykh, a Yazidi Religious Leader Sayyed Ziad Bahr Al Aloum Al Khoei Institute William Warda Hammurabi Rights Organization
Advertisement
Ensuring Religious Diversity in Iraq
Skelton opened the discussion by commenting on US policy toward minority groups. He addressed the current US administration’s plans to provide aid and support to religious minorities, particularly in the Nineveh Plains. Any type of aid program runs the risk of creating tensions if it targets or favors certain religious minorities over others. He asked Stephanie Dobitsch, Advisor to the Vice President of the US for the Middle East, how the US planned to navigate this potential outcome. “ Issues related to minority politics in Iraq are important issues, and they are contentious issues [...] We have to think about these questions in ways that go beyond the standard generalizations. “ 63
Dobitsch responded to the moderator by acknowledging the need for equitable distribution of aid across different religious minorities. Over the past several years, the administration has made efforts to listen and respond to the needs of these communities. They have donated to large international organizations working in the reconstruction and restoration of areas in Iraq that were devastated by ISIS. More than USD two billion of aid has been directed towards Iraq over the past few years, and a new initiative by the Vice President has contributed USD 300 million specifically to persecuted, religious communities. Moreover, through direct interactions with people and organizations on the ground, the administration has more effectively distributed aid through NGOs and faith-based organizations. Dobitsch emphasized that the US was doing everything in its power to cooperate with international partners, including the European Union and the government of Iraq.
“Iraq is a role model in the region for religious pluralism, for religious diversity and inclusion... And that’s what makes Iraq unique, not just a bridge in the Middle East and the region, but a bridge from the Middle East to the rest of the world “
Baba Shaykh stressed that Yazidis should have a seat at the table, along with all the demographic groups who make up the Iraqi population. In the context of the struggle that the community has faced, historically and at the hands of ISIS, peace for the Yazidis and for Iraq in general is essential. Justice must be served and ISIS members be held accountable for war crimes. Despite the horrors they have witnessed, the Yazidi community continues to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and coexistence. This coexistence is at the heart of the faith, along with the sharing of burdens and joys experienced within the community or communities that the Yazidis find themselves in. However, the Yazidi community needs urgent political representation, as other minority groups who number less than those of the Yazidis have greater representation. He explained that even enrollment at the Military Academy and the Police Academy requires ‘connections’ for Yazidis. Moreover, there are no Yazidis serving as judges, with the exception of the retired Hakem Kassem. This discrimination is both religious and cultural, noting that the difference of language plays a role in aggravating prejudice. With that in mind, he has asked H.E President Barham Salih that Sinjar be nominated as a safe haven for Yazidis, since they make up more than 90 percent of its population.
Sayyed Ziad Bahr Al Aloum Al Khoei Institute
Al Aloum highlighted the work that Al Khoei Institute is doing to further inter-religious dialogue, through partnering with organizations, universities, and NGOs to hold workshops on diversity and conflict resolution. The barriers that must be overcome have only been a reality in Iraq’s recent history, partly due to policies in place as well as political rhetoric. Despite this, and despite the tensions created by ISIS, there has been considerable progress in liberated areas. For example, a delegation from Negev, made up of four religious clerics and three university professors, traveled to Anbar two months ago to meet with local civil society and religious leaders, as well as to lay the foundations for further collaboration. Similar visits are planned for Mosul, Salahadin, and Diyala. Despite considerable progress over the past four or five years, it is important to note that barriers do exist, both within Negev and elsewhere. Governmental actors are reluctant to provide sustainable help or take advantage of the opportunities that dialogue can provide. Governmental programs, with similar aims to those of Al Khoei Institute, have not been successful for a multitude of reasons.
If one were to compare where we were four or five years ago to where we are now, there is no denying that considerable progress has been made. “
William Warda Hammurabi Rights Organization
Warda stressed that new legislation should be passed and the law in place must be upheld. Despite the existence of Article 125, which stipulates the rights of minority groups in areas such as education and politics, there are no mechanisms in place to ensure their fulfilment. Bills have been put forth by the Hammurabi Rights Organization, such as the Protection of Diversity and Prohibition of Discrimination bill, which was shelved and has not been discussed by either the present administration or the previous one. Members of minority groups are often forced to identify officially as Muslim, as the law states that the conversion of one parent to Islam qualifies the automatic conversion of the children. How can minority groups live with a sense of stability and security when the law itself is prejudiced, even oppressive against them, he asked. The current administration needs to fast-track solutions, and to work on reparations and transitional justice. Moreover, local municipalities need resources and training to resolve conflicts that arise when religious institutions only offer humanitarian assistance to their own flock. This kind of work demands time and commitment, and it is imperative to equip agents at the local level with the resources they need.
