French embassy in Iraq condemns hate speech against Yezidi community, reaffirms commitment to their rights
The French embassy in Iraq has strongly condemned recent hate speech targeting the Yezidi community.
The embassy stated that the Yezidis have the right to live in peace, security, and dignity, just like any other component of Iraqi society.
The French embassy also reaffirmed its commitment to the Yezidis in Iraq, whether it be their right to decent living conditions or in camps where they have sought refuge.
France called on federal authorities and those of the autonomous region of Kurdistan to continue their efforts to improve security, governance, and reconstruction in Sinjar.
Press release from the French Embassy in Iraq with regards the campaign of hatred and accusations targeting the Yazidi community. pic.twitter.com/LBiFSNyKCj
— La France en Irak (@FranceBagdad) May 2, 2023
Yezidi activists welcomed the French embassy's statement, saying that they need such solidarity and statements from other international missions to stand with Yazidi survivors who are living in fear because of hate speech by religious leaders in Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
Some social media users applauded ISIS's past atrocities against Yezidi women, which led to an escalation of hate speech and threats against Yezidis.
In response to the incident, the Iraqi Sunni Endowment visited the Rahman Mosque in Sinjar to investigate the incident and determined that the mosque was not attacked and there was no evidence of any material damage to the mosque.
The return of displaced Sunni Muslims native to Sinjar has been a concern among the Yezidi community, who accuse them of having facilitated ISIS crimes against them.
France has supported the Yezidi community since the beginning of ISIS attacks on the religious minority and is currently supporting a project to build a hospital in Sinjar.
The French embassy emphasized its commitment to creating an understanding and peaceful dialogue between the different components of the Iraqi population and preserving the country's diversity, which is one of its main assets.
