KRG affirms legal recognition of religious, ethnic communities, including Zoroastrians, Yezidis

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Thursday, Dindar Zebari, the Kurdistan Region’s Coordinator for International Advocacy, highlighted the recognition of religious and ethnic communities within the Kurdistan Region under the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Communities No. 5 of 2015, specifically mentioning Zoroastrians and Yezidis.

During the second day of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racism in Geneva, Zebari issued a statement underscoring the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) commitment to safeguarding the rights of diverse communities.

He pointed out that Law No. 5 of 2015 officially recognizes Zoroastrians among the religious communities in the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the Yezidi community, Zebari emphasized that Yezidis are indigenous Kurds who are religiously recognized under the same law.

He mentioned that during the previous day’s discussions, the KRG's efforts in assisting the Yezidi community, especially in the aftermath of ISIS atrocities, were highlighted.

This includes providing shelter, rescuing kidnapped individuals, and facilitating medical treatment abroad for victims.

The discussions in Geneva also covered the education of Yezidism, the documentation of the community's suffering, and the recognition of the genocide committed against them.

Zebari noted that the KRG is committed to supporting Yezidi education, with a specific directorate in the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs overseeing Yezidi affairs.

In his statement, Zebari reiterated that Yezidis are an integral part of the Kurdish population and that the KRG is dedicated to preserving their religious and cultural heritage through educational initiatives and administrative oversight.

This affirmation of legal recognition by the KRG reflects its ongoing commitment to protecting the diverse religious and ethnic identities within the Kurdistan Region.