A proposal under discussion in Baghdad could place the state body responsible for Ezidi religious affairs and properties under a broader Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs as part of government efforts to reduce public spending.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is reportedly considering merging several ministries and independent state bodies as part of efforts to reduce government spending, including a restructuring that could affect the administration of Ezidi religious affairs and properties.
According to Shafaq News, Al-Zaidi’s team has proposed combining the Shiite and Sunni endowment offices, the Diwan of Endowments for Christian, Ezidi and Mandaean Religions, and the Hajj and Umrah Authority under a new Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs or an institution with a similar mandate.
The proposal was reportedly discussed during talks with State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki and remains under political consideration. It has not been formally adopted.
The proposal is relevant for Ezidis because the existing Diwan was established under Iraq’s Law No. 58 of 2012 as a body linked to the Council of Ministers with its own legal personality. Its structure specifically includes a Directorate for Ezidi Affairs, which deals with matters concerning Ezidi religious affairs, properties and related administration.
The law also provides for the administration of religious assets and funding connected to the religions represented within the Diwan.
Any merger into a broader religious affairs ministry would therefore raise questions about the future status of the Directorate for Ezidi Affairs, the administration of Ezidi religious properties and sites connected to Sharfadin, Ezidi representation within the new institution, and the allocation of state funding.
For now, the proposal remains at the discussion stage. Its significance for Ezidis will depend on whether the existing legal protections and distinct administration of Ezidi religious affairs and properties are preserved under any new structure.
