Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani declared that the crimes against the Yazidi community in Sinjar, including mass killings and abductions, are among the most heinous acts of genocide in Iraq’s history. These acts led to mass displacement, affecting Yazidis and other communities.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani, in a speech commemorating the Sinjar tragedy, emphasized that these acts reflect the barbaric nature of a terrorist organization disconnected from Islam. He acknowledged the critical contributions of Iraq’s security forces and the Supreme Religious Authority’s fatwa in combating terrorism and maintaining national unity.

Al-Sudani highlighted that Sinjar is a priority for the government, with initiatives focused on resettling displaced individuals, fostering stability, creating jobs, and addressing the genocide’s long-term impacts. The government has introduced measures to secure Yazidi rights, such as rebuilding their main temple and pursuing those responsible for the atrocities.

The Prime Minister outlined the government’s efforts, including legislative proposals to safeguard Yazidi rights, establishing a museum in Sinjar to document the crimes, and constructing a guesthouse for international delegations. Additionally, the Council of Ministers declared the first Wednesday of April an official holiday for the Yazidi community.

A total of 2,428 survivors are covered under the ‘Survivors Law,’ with 2,216 receiving monthly stipends. Title deeds for 14,000 housing units have been issued, marking a significant step toward property ownership for Yazidis. Nearly 2,000 more deeds will be distributed soon, including 224 for Yazidi female survivors.

Furthermore, a government initiative is underway to rehabilitate and construct residential complexes in Sinjar, with land plots allocated to developers and a new Sinjar University being established. The government is implementing 89 projects under the Sinjar and Nineveh Reconstruction Fund, with work already commenced on 23 projects.

These initiatives aim to create favorable conditions for displaced families to return, in collaboration with UN agencies and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Compensation is being processed for 19,836 claims in Sinjar, Qahtaniyah, and western Nineveh.

Al-Sudani also called on Iraqi citizens to participate in upcoming elections and condemned atrocities in Gaza, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting all Iraqis’ rights and interests.