Iraqi Education Minister Says Return of Ezidi Students to Schools in Northern Sinjar Is a Priority

Iraq’s Minister of Education, Abdul Karim Abtan al-Jubouri, has said that supporting the return of Ezidi children and students to schools in northern Sinjar is receiving particular attention from the ministry.

The remarks came during a meeting with Ezidi MP Murad Ismael, head of the Ezidi Cause Alliance bloc, and an accompanying delegation. According to the minister’s media office, the delegation presented a number of educational needs and issues affecting Ezidi students.

Al-Jubouri stressed that education is a right for every child and student and acknowledged the difficult circumstances Ezidis have endured. He said the Ministry of Education would continue following their educational needs and work to create appropriate conditions for students to return to school.

The meeting comes as many Ezidi families continue to face the long-term consequences of displacement and destruction following the 2014 genocide, including obstacles affecting access to education in Sinjar.

At the end of the meeting, the delegation presented the minister with the book An Introduction to Ezidology.