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EuroKurd Human Rights-EHR
Nr: 7, December 2008- Stockholm
A report on:
Yezidis situation in Kurdistan
Gabar Çiyan / Zarathustra News
interviewed persons
- Mecîd Heso - author and economist
- Dr. Ismail Beşikçi - sociolog and author
- Loqman Baris- Journalist
- Serhan Isa - Journalist and author
- Ali Seedo Rasho - President of Yezidi Cultural Association in Iraq
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Mecîd HESO
Born in 1967 in Southern Kurdistan. In 1986, read high school in Duhok. Studied
economics at Baghdad University (1990). Did master's degree in economics at
the Free University of Dan Hague, Holland (2007).
He was editor of the magazine Pela Serbest (freedom game) in DUHOK, the
magazine Lalish in DUHOK, the newspaper Kurdistan in Germany, and is the
owner of the magazine Today's Kurdistan (Kurdistan IRO) of Germany. He is a
columnist for www.lalish.de ...
Heso is a member of the Kurdistan Institute for Science and Research in
Germany, Kurdish PEN Center, a director of Mala Ezidiyan Berlin, head of Center
of Halabja-Chaka in the area of Berlin ...
How many Yezidis are there in the world?
The number Yezidis is unfortunately not known because there is no clear
statistics. The number of terms they Yezidis in the current Kurdistan (parts of
Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria). Today living around 650.000-700.000 Yezidis in
Kurdistan. The number Yezidis throughout the world is about. 1 million people. In
addition to Kurdistan, there are a large number of Yezidis in a part of Russia,
Georgia, and Armenia.
How can one describe Yezidis ethnicity, and faith?

Faith on Yezidism spread among Kurds in 1400 years before Islam.
Yezidis language is Kurdish. Preserving Yezidis Kurds ancient language, tradition,
religion and well and living. Yezidis hold their prayers in Kurdish.
The word "Yezidi" means: "Yez + da" ie "Almighty God". Or equivalent
synonymies "Xwedê" or "Xweda." The word consists of two syllables. "Xwe"
means self, and "de-da" means created themselves. That means, no BUSHEL
god, god BUSHEL himself. This means that it gave more say gods throne, and
created a god believer from Yezidis vision.
Religion has great relationship with nature. Besides God and the angels is fire,
water, earth and wind importance for Yezidis.
How do Yezidis situation in Iraq? How can we strengthen their security?
Since the overthrow of the Iraqi regime is the crisis in the country. Despite the
U.S. military presence in Iraq, the country is not stable. Since 1991 belongs to a
part of Yezidis territory to the KRG and the central government in Baghdad.
Yezidis need more help. Disputes between the two governments affect Yezidis. In
recent years, the number of terrorist attacks against minorities has increased.
According to human rights organizations in Iraq emigrated in 8395 people in one
year.
February 15, 2007 led a family to the outbreak of conflict and violence in the
Kurdish town of Sheikhan. During the unrest was attacked by Kurdish Muslims
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Yezidis in a brutal way.
14 Aug 2007 several trucks loaded with explosives. They exploded in the
province Shingal. The villages Geir Ezer and Shêkhidir in Shingal became their
target. More than 500 people were killed within an hour.
During the past year, the situation of Yezidis in Iraq has become very critical.
They need urgent help from the Kurdistan Regional Government KRG, the EU and
USA.
"Either all Kurds Yezidis or so, there is no nation that name of Kurd," said the
KRG's President Mesud Barzani in his speech.
It is expected that President Barzani after his speech. Yezidis need KRGs support.
The government must have a plan to strengthen Yezidis human rights,
economics and security.
Kurdish government must improve the situation and intervene. In my opinion,
should a conference be organized as quickly as possible in Arbil. We must discuss
the matter, and improve their situation.
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Dr. Ismail Beşikci
Dr. Ismail Besikci was born in 1939 in the city of Corum. He became interested in
the Kurdish issue during his military service in Kurdistan (1962) and studied
sociology at the Kurdish town of Erzeroms University. Besikci was finished with
his training and he wrote his doctoral thesis in 1967. His analysis focused on the
Kurdistan Social Affairs: The social transformation of the Kurdish tribes in
eastern Anatolia was published in book form in 1968. Later i 1969 published his
second book: Changes in the East - Structural issues in the Kurdish nomadic
tribe Alikanás. These books cost him his job at the university, and nearly 14-year
sentence.
Last, he was prosecuted and imprisoned in 1993 for one of his earlier books he
had written in 1977: The Scientific Method 1 - implementation in Turkey:
deportations and assimilation of Kurds.
Besikci has been sentenced to more than 200 years' imprisonment and the
corresponding million Swedish Crones fines for their books. Besikci has been
monitored by Amnesty International and the International PEN writers' club
carefully. Thanks to those taking national organizations, he has finally been
released from Turkish prison after spending nearly 20 years of his life in prison.
Besikci has not given up. Most recently, he was in one of his articles in the
journal Serbesti (Freedom), gave his views on why the Kurdistan distribution and
oppression of its Kurdish nation.
A list of some of Dr Ismail Besikcis books:
- Bilim Yöntemi, Türkiye'deki Uygulama Kürtlerin Mecburi Iskani 1977 (The
scientific method - the implementation of Turkey deportation and assimilation of
the Kurds) - Devletlerarasi Sömürge Kurdistan in 1990 (Kurdisan - an
international colony).
- Bilim, Resmi Ideoloji, devlet, Demokrasi ve Kürt Sorunu 1990 (Science, the
officially ideology, state, democracy and the Kurdish question).
- Bir Aydin Bir Örgüt ve Kürt Sorunu 1990 (An intellectual, organization and the
Kurdish question)
- Tunceli Kanunu ve Dersîm Jenosidi 1990 (Act of Tunceli and genocide in
Dersim).
What do you think about Yezidis and how can we ensure their rights?
Yezidis are Kurds. The residents of Mesopotamia since several hundred years, BC
Yezidis has preserved ancient Kurdish religion and faith.
During the course of history became Yezidis attacked by Muslim Arabs and
Kurds, leading to the collapsed. Despite all Yezidis fought for Kurdish national
identity and freedom.
It is very important to the Kurds who have Muslim faith know about these
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events. And not to lose sight of the story of how Kurds converted to Islam by
threatening people with swords. Many agreed to convert Yezidis but did not give
up; they fought to preserve the Kurds' faith, tradition, language and customs.
In order to raise Yezidis security needs of their area linked to the Kurdistan
Regional Government, KRG. Lalesh area is controlled by the KRG. But the area
Shehkan lacks security. To Yezidis be able to practice their faith, they need a
soothing situation. Therefore you need to strengthen their security even more
and spend more on religious freedom in those areas where they live. This is the
KRG's main task to perform. They must also provide financial support for
developing Yezidis area.
In recent months became Yezidis and Assyrians attacked in Iraq by extremist
groups belonging to Arab nationalists. They want to blame all this on the Kurds.
It should open their eyes and see this as a danger! Therefore KRG should be
aware of this and improve Yezidis and the Assyrians and security situation in a
systematic manner.
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Loqman Baris
In 1975 born in Northern Kurdistan, the town of Urfa. After high school he began
studying philosophy at Hannover University. Has worked as a television journalist
in the television, Roj TV, Me TV... He is chief editor of the site Dergush Com. He
sits on the Board of The Union for Yezidis associations formed in 2004 in
Germany, and has many member associations behind. They are working to
preserve ancient Yezidi Kurds religion, culture and tradition.
How do you think about Yezidis security and human rights?
There are about one million Yezidis in the world. Many live in Kurdistan, others in
Russia, Kuakas and Siberia. More than 100 000 Yezidis living in Europe, mostly in
Germany.
Yezidis as well as Kurds live in different parts of Kurdistan. Their needs and the
situation is very different from each other. In the southern part of Kurdistan
(Iraq) is lacking religious freedom and live under threats against life and
existence. North of Kurdistan (Turkey) during the 80 - century lived during the
local clan heads of the press. Since they lacked even religion. Over the past ten
years, the Kurds' struggle for their national rights made progress. This
development has created respect for Yezidis rights. Biggest problem for Yezidis in
Europe is to become assimilated.
For about a year ago I was in southern Kurdistan in order to make a film
documentary. During the time I was there I saw how Yezidis violated. When
Yezidis largest area Shengal was attacked by terrorists and many people were
killed, I was there!
The Kurdish Muslim view against Yezidis in southern Kurdistan is not positive.
According to Kurdish Yezidis Muslims are not believers and have no religion.
Because of all oppression is Yezidis only like to move away. Shengal lacks
security and may at any time be attacked by extremists. The area is forgotten by
both the Iraqi government and Kurdish government! There are living with fear,
hunger, unemployment, etc.. UN aid is not reaching them. The area is under
Iraqi government but controlled by Kurds political parties.
In order to assure Yezidis security and human rights must Kurdish parties and
the KRG to change their views and behaviours towards them. KRG must have a
program to improve their situation, both economically, culturally and their
education. We must combat prejudices that exist among the Kurds. This is the
first step towards an improvement, then you can work with their security and
human rights even more.
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Serhan Isa
Born in 1974 in South Kurdistan. After high school he began to write poems. In
1997 came his first poem collection "longing" out, then came "mourning pink"
out in 2001. In 1993 he formed and a part of Yezidis intellectuals' Association
Kaniya SPI. " The association has its head office in Germany with the goal of
preserving Yezidis ancient culture, tradition, and help for their human and
religious rights.
Isa lives in Germany and is the editor of the Web page Kaniya SPI, and studying
in Denmark on media and communications line.
In recent years, there have been terrorist attacks against Yezidis, in the
area Senghal. Can you summarize the events?
Senghal is Yezidis largest area. There are 400 000 inhabitants in Senghal, about
80 percent of the population consists Yezidis. Senghal lies west of the southern
Kurdistan, and is located 120 km from the city of Mosul. Western part of the area
extending towards the Syrian border. Senghal is part of Kurdistan. Despite the
persecution and massacre during the course of history have Yezidis be held at
the Kurds' ancient culture and religion.
After Saddam Hussein's defeat Yezidis thought that their dream of human rights
and religious freedom would come true. But it was the opposite.
August 14, 2007 became Senghal attacked by terrorists. It ended up more than
311 people were killed, 304 people were injured and 300 houses collapsed. 3050
buildings were destroyed and 170 small businesses were affected.
After the events, decided the government in Iraq that they should contribute
with ten million dollars for the people who were severely affected. The terrorist
attack against Yezidis protests were hard from many politicians from various
parts of the world including The White House, human rights organizations, the
Iraqi president Celal Talebani and the president of Kurdistan region Mesud
Barzani. Despite promises from the Government of Iraq, Kurdistan, and from the
outside world, to make effort for the victims, the victims have not received
enough help.
In recent years, there have been several terror attacks against Yezidis in three of
their areas. Seyhan, 14-16 February 2007, Behzane, April 7, 2007 and Mosul, 22
April 2007. That affected people very hard. Even today, there has been no
investigation of the incident from the Iraqi government and Kurdistan Regional
Government - KRGs direction.
Yezidis has any representatives in the Iraqi government or the KRG?
In the first elections in 2004, there were three representatives. During Prime
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Minister Iyad Al-alawis government had yezidis a ministerial post in charge of
social issues. During Prime Minister Ibrahim Al-Ceferis management (2005-2006)
took away their representatives. Today there are only three left in the KRG. The
political parties in Iraq wanted to get rid of these three individuals with, which
means they have removed the "Law 50". With the result that they will not have
the right to send their representatives to the regional government. Despite KRGs
promises to Yezidier to retain their representatives in Parliament so are their
rights under threat.
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Minority Rights in Iraq Under Threat After Removal of Election Provision
The religious and ethnic minorities’ rights in the new Iraq are under constant
threat, the most obvious being the Parliament’s removal of Article 50 from the
Provincial Elections bill. On July 22, 2008, the Iraqi Parliament ratified the
Provincial Elections bill. Article 50 of this law provided seats in provincial
government to minority groups, such as the Yezidi, Shabak, Assyrian, and
Sabaean. Although the seats under Article 50 did not allocate enough seats to
be proportional with the minority population (only 1 Yazidi representative for a
population of 600,000), it was welcomed by these groups since it recognized
their rights as true citizens of Iraq. The ratified law was rejected the following
week by the Presidency Council and returned to Parliament. After two months of
postponed dialogue, the bill was finally voted on again. On September 24, due to
an agreement between the Kurdish and Shi'a political groups, Parliament ratified
the law without Article 50. The decision of the Iraqi Parliament to remove Article
50 is an obvious testament to the lack of legal rights among Iraqi minority
groups
By removing Article 50, the Iraqi Parliament deprived Iraq’s minorities of their
legal right to representation in government. Consequently, this prevents
minority groups from fair participation in Iraq’s future. This lack of political
representation will encourage the insurgents to intimidate minorities using
violence, and will lead to internally displaced persons and migration of minorities
from their homelands and heritage. I have come to the conclusion that there are
many elements within the Iraqi government who desire to rid Iraq of its
religious, ethnic and indigenous minorities and occupy their land.
There have been many instances of intimidation directed at Iraq’s minority
groups. Twenty-four Yezidi textile workers were massacred in Mosul on April 24,
2007 and four horrendous blasts in Al-Qahtania and Al-Jazeera villages on
August 14 of that year killed approximately 400 Yezidi and injured at least twice
as many. After these attacks, all Yezidi and most Iraqi Christian university
students left their higher education at Iraqi universities. Students who graduated
from secondary schools in the past two years are still at home and cannot pursue
higher education. There have also been kidnappings and assassinations of
Christian priests and destruction of churches. There are a number of questions
that must be answered. Who is responsible for this problem? How can it be
solved, and by whom? Minority group members are being killed by insurgents
while they are deprived of political representation in government.
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As human rights defenders, we have informed international organizations of such
situations for many years and they are well aware of the danger caused such
kinds of discrimination. We urge these organizations to apply more pressure on
the Iraqi government to respect the rights of minority groups. The removal of
Article 50 from the Provincial Elections bill indicates that Iraqi minorities are
afforded few rights. Under the current structure, there is no political mechanism
for minority groups to express their grievances.
As a result of the current situation, we request the following:
1. Equal representation proportional to population in provincial and federal
government.
2. A fair part of the Iraqi national wealth on the basis of residency, as
minority groups have been deprived of their rights inside and outside Iraq
and most of them have been displaced or have fled to Europe.
3. A semi-autonomous region under the protection of the international
community.
Most of Iraq’s minorities live in a limited geographical region on the Nineveh
plain, so they can consolidate efforts to encourage the international community
and international human rights organizations to address these concerns through
the following means:
1. Empowering an international lobby of political parties, NGOs, and other
human rights defenders around the globe to manage an advocacy
campaign.
2. Organizing demonstrations and advocacy campaigns at the United Nations
and the embassies of the U.S., UK, China, and Russia in the U.S., Canada,
and Europe, and provide the embassies with copies of the two laws (before
and after ratification) and a memorandum of our criticism.
The religious and ethnic minorities’ rights in the new Iraq are under constant
threat and the decision of Iraqi Parliament to remove Article 50 is an obvious
testament to the lack of legal rights among Iraqi minority groups.
As a human rights defender, I am requesting the international organizations to
do their best for this very serious situation, which concerns the legal survival of
indigenous peoples and groups that have called Iraq their home for thousand of
years
Ali Seedo Rasho
President of Yezidi Cultural Association in Iraq &
Human Rights Activist
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EuroKurd Human Rights-EHR
EuroKurd Human Rights-EHR is headquartered in Stockholm. The organization
was founded by Swedish Kurds.
EHR puts its greatest emphasis on issues of human rights particularly for Kurds
and other minorities who are vulnerable.
The work is based on journalistic research, and thorough investigations of
violations of these rights and international conventions governing the rights.
The organization is free from political ideologies, economic interests and
religions.
EuroKurd Human Rights research human rights violations. It is exerting pressure
on leaders to stop these violations.
In order to increase knowledge about human rights, we also work with
information, research and advocacy.
Examples of our key issues:
- The right to freedom of opinion and expression
- The abolition of torture
- No one shall be subjected to discrimination, for example, of political or religious
affiliation, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation
- To stop violence against women and children
- To research, and inform the issues of honor and honor-related violence
- Refugee and Migration Affairs
- The right for the most marginalized to have their economic, social and cultural
rights recognized
- Cooperate and establish contacts with organizations, the EU institutions on the
matter
- Start various projects on the matter
Contact us
Organisation: EuroKurd Human Rights – EHR
News Service: Zarathustra News
Address: Elin Wägners gata 29, 129 51 Hägersten- Sweden
Home page: www.eurokurd.net
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