Iraq Approves Compensation Fund for Victims of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Iraqi Council of Ministers Approves Dedicated Fund to Compensate Victims of International Crimes, Including Yazidi Genocide, in a Step Toward Justice and Redress
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a practical step toward justice and compensation for victims of genocide and international crimes, Iraq’s Council of Ministers, with the approval of the prime minister, has approved the establishment of a dedicated fund to compensate victims.
According to a statement issued on Friday, by Khalaf Sinjari, the Iraqi prime minister’s adviser for Yazidi affairs, the decision was made within the framework of the draft International Crimes Law concerning genocide, crimes against humanity, and other international crimes.
The Council of Ministers approved two main measures related to the establishment and operation of the fund.
The first decision provides for the establishment of a fund named the Fund for the Compensation of Victims of International Crimes at the level of a department, below the rank of a general directorate.
The fund will have legal personality as well as financial and administrative independence.
Its budget will be financed through grants and assistance provided by states, international and regional organizations and institutions, alongside funds and compensation obtained by the Iraqi state through judicial lawsuits and claims related to international crimes.
The second decision stipulates that the fund’s responsibilities, its administrative affiliation, organizational structure, management mechanism, spending channels, and all other matters related to its operations will be determined through regulations to be issued later by the Council of Ministers.
The decision was described as an important and necessary step toward consolidating justice, protecting victims’ rights, and compensating those affected by international crimes.
Sinjari particularly highlighted the victims of the genocide against the Yazidis, as well as victims of crimes against humanity.
The establishment of the fund comes within the framework of Iraq’s draft International Crimes Law and is intended to provide a mechanism for compensation and the protection of the rights of victims of genocide and international crimes.