Iraq
Iraq, long known as the “cradle of civilisation”, has seen more than its share of conflict over the centuries and, following the recent decades of war and violence in the region, continues to face significant humanitarian challenges. Ethnic tensions and sectarian violence escalated following the Gulf War of 1990-1991 causing many to leave the country.
Then when ISIS launched attacks in 2014, some 6 million people were forced to flee their homes, surrender their livelihoods and seek refuge in neighbouring countries or the Kurdistan region to the north. Some have been able to return, however that’s not an option for the vast majority. Their homes, together with much of the infrastructure of their communities, have been destroyed, essential services are lacking and there are no opportunities to earn a living. They are traumatised, insecure and fearful. Thus, they remain in temporary refugee camp accommodation.
It is estimated that in this country of around 42 million people almost 1.2 million Iraqis continue to be internally displaced, living in one of around 26 refugee camps and numerous informal settlements. Additionally, Iraq hosts over 250,000 refugees from other countries, mainly Syria, making the situation even worse.
Although ISIS has lost some of its earlier gains, attacks on civilians, infrastructure and security forces are ongoing and the country is still plagued by conflict. One minority group that has faced extreme persecution, discrimination and violence are the Yezidis. On 3rd August 2014 the Yezidi heartland in the north of Iraq was invaded by ISIS militants whose aim was to exterminate this minority group. According to the Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organisation, around 3,100 Yezidis were killed and 6,800 were kidnapped to become sex slaves or fighters. Read more about Black Day.
For many displaced people the conditions are poor with basic services in short supply and flimsy accommodation providing scant protection from the harsh weather. About half the refugee inhabitants are children - growing up without adequate education and other essential services. Humanitarian organisations are doing what they can but the circumstances are deeply complex and the needs are immense.
While members of minorities in post-ISIS Iraq are facing enormous challenges, these vulnerable communities are part of what makes Iraq such a unique place. Both national and international actors have to take decisive and sincere action, for minorities’ extermination from the melting pot that is Iraq would be a tragic loss not only for the country but for mankind. https://unpo.org/article/20889
Of the 260,000 people who have fled Iraq, many have found refuge and a new life in Australia. Toowoomba in southern Queensland hosts a large community of Yezidi people from northern Iraq.
Yezidi student wins Mayoral Award at his SouthEast QLD school
You Belong has been able to support these new Australians by welcoming and empowering them to thrive in their new communities. This mission has been enhanced by the experience of You Belong founders and leaders, Tim and Sarah Buxton who spent several years living in Northern Iraq where they co-founded The Refuge Initiative – providing homes and essential care to the refugees and internally displaced.
For more stories about the Yezidi people:
The Move2Belong Challenge - Iraq
For the month of June, a 150+ participants are moving the distance of a refugee migration route in solidarity with those displaced by war and conflict. One of the migration routes features Ukraine and is 150km - the distance from Sinjar, Iraq to Duhuk, Kurdistan.
Tania Cox, high school teacher, has committed to doing 150km by foot during the month of June.
As I’ve been walking I have been thinking about what refugees experience. I can't even imagine having to pack up my family and belongings and walk away from my home into an unknown future. We are so so lucky here. That is my why. I want to do my small part to help a group that works with people who have been through these life changing events. - Tania
Learn more or donate to Move2Belong
Iraq is featured on Move2Belong 2022
Tania Cox with her Move2Belong shirt
