A petition in the Netherlands is calling on Dutch authorities not to return Ezidis to Iraq, arguing that the current situation remains unsafe for them.
The campaign was created by Harrie Winteraeken and is addressed to the Dutch House of Representatives, the Permanent Committee for Asylum and Migration, and the Minister of Asylum and Migration, Bart van den Brink.
The petition stresses that Ezidis are an ethnic and religious minority from Iraq who were subjected to genocide by ISIS in 2014. That genocide was recognised by the European Union in 2016 and by the Netherlands in 2021.
Despite this recognition, the petition warns that Ezidis are no longer treated as a risk group under current Dutch asylum policy. According to the campaign, this has led to more rejected asylum applications and growing uncertainty for Ezidi asylum seekers.
The petition states that many Ezidis remain displaced in Iraq and that safe, dignified and sustainable return to their original areas, including Shengal, is still not possible. It points to continuing insecurity, lack of effective protection, political instability, and inadequate living conditions.
It also refers to the position of international organisations such as UNHCR and Amnesty International, which have warned that current conditions do not allow safe and sustainable return. The petition argues that returning Ezidis to displacement camps would not provide a safe or dignified alternative and would conflict with basic human rights and children’s rights.
The purpose of the petition is to urge the Dutch government to reassess its asylum policy, recognise the specific vulnerability of Ezidis, and ensure a careful and just approach that respects international law, including the principle of non-refoulement.
The campaign also reminds the Netherlands of its responsibility to protect vulnerable groups who have suffered severe persecution, genocide and violence.
Ezidi Times encourages readers in the Netherlands and beyond to support the petition and add their signature. Recognition of genocide must be followed by protection.
Sign the petition here.
