Germany-Iraq deportation pact sparks concerns for Yazidis

ERBIL, January 10 — The recently revealed agreement between Germany and Iraq for migrant deportations has sparked apprehension among Yazidis, whose cases have been put on hold until April, as reported by a refugee agency.

This deportation arrangement includes individuals from all ethnic and religious backgrounds returning to Iraq from Germany. Ari Jalal, the head of the Summit Foundation for Refugee Affairs, told 964media that numerous Yazidi refugees face asylum denials, citing isolated cases as grounds for suspension. “The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has declared a moratorium on the deportation of Yazidi women and children.” He added that “the situation remains complex, with Yazidis also experiencing deportation suspensions, even after the state officially recognized the persecution and systematic killing of Yazidis by ISIS fighters as genocide in 2023. Despite this recognition, many Yazidis refugees are yet to be granted asylum.”