Ruined and unsafe, Shingal is no home for locals

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Mayor of Shingal (Sinjar) says Iraqi government prevails instability in Shingal, refuses to shoulder responsibilities, and discriminates against Ezidi Kurds.

On Thursday, Mahmha Khalil mayor of Shingal received a UN delegation and called upon the UN to convey the message of people of Shingal. He said his people who have been victims of genocide need recognition for their pain and need international support to rebuild the city.

“The message of Shingal administration is the message of the people of Shingal. We want people to return to their homes, but we need two things:  services and security,” Khalil said in a press conference.

Regarding the budget Iraqi government should allocate to rebuilding Shingal, Khalil stated that “The city is ruined and has no basic services. Since 2014 the Iraqi government has not spent a dime on the areas. Just because we are Kurds and Ezidis, they create obstacles and make excuses.”

Presently, 20 percent of the areas surrounding Shingal are under the control of the Islamic State. “Some forces are stationed in Shingal who recognize neither the constitution nor the Iraqi laws. Locals are afraid of returning home,” Khalil added.

Directorate of Security (Asaiysh) told a Kurdistan24 reporter that only 20 families have managed to return to Shingal. “People are not returning because the city is still practically ruined and but also because Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters are stationed here,” he said.

The Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC), a crisis response center by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), in an assessment published in December 2015 reported that the city needs over $10 million to restore basic services. 

Editing by Ava Homa