EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The whole population of Syria and Iraq is feeling the toll of the armed conflicts in their countries. This report complements the existing information base by improving understanding of the protection needs of religious and ethnic minority groups from Syria and Iraq, including those remaining in these countries and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
This report is geared towards humanitarian actors, to help them refine and coordinate efforts to provide life-saving assistance and work towards sustainable long-term solutions for all Syrians and Iraqis. Similarly, the report aims to support Syria, Iraq, neighbouring countries and donors in their search for better humanitarian responses, and to inform the most appropriate approaches towards finding durable solutions for displaced minority communities from Syria and Iraq.
The analysis and findings stem from a review of primary and secondary sources, as well as two specially commissioned research studies, surveys and focus groups to gather the views of 4,000 displaced people and refugees from Syria and Iraq. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) carried out the project, in partnership with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While many issues discussed in this report are common to minorities from Iraq and Syria, the two countries stand at different crossroads. In Iraq sectarian feelings have become deeply ingrained. Information collected for this study suggests Syria has not yet reached this point.
Before Islamic State (IS) took control of territory there had already been significant migration of minorities from Iraq because of marginalisation and persecution. In this regard, the eventual defeat of IS alone will not solve these underlying dangers or ensure that minorities return to their place of origin. Especially in Iraq, the process of driving IS away sets in motion power struggles between larger sectarian groups – exactly the type of social tension that exacerbates the vulnerability of minorities.
Ongoing internal politicking and unresolved problems of disputed territories further exacerbate the difficulties minorities face in returning to certain areas of Iraq.
Syria and Iraq both have a history of sectarianism and other factors that have influenced the course of their current conflicts. These conflicts in both countries have had an immense impact on their civilian populations, including mass displacement, trauma, death or injury of loved ones, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse, ongoing insecurity and targeted persecution. These experiences have affected women, men, boys and girls differently, meaning that their needs vary.
The conflict experiences of Syrians and Iraqis from minority groups have been similarly diverse, both between and within different religious groups. Consequently, the humanitarian needs of people from minorities vary, as does how best to meet those needs.
Humanitarian responses need to take this diversity into account in order to meet the critical needs of people affected by the conflicts in Syria and Iraq and support them in a sustainable way. They cannot overlook people’s inability to access assistance because of instability, fear or lack of trust in key actors. They must also address aid prioritisation and beneficiary criteria that may fuel resentment, discrimination and tensions by excluding some conflict-affected groups.
Both gender and age are now well-established concepts within the humanitarian sphere. Humanitarian agencies increasingly understand the differing needs and approaches required to support different age groups and genders. This report demonstrates that protecting minorities must also be considered as part of Syria and Iraq humanitarian response strategy, particularly through an age, gender and diversity (AGD)1 approach.
Given the history of persecution and conflict experienced by religious minorities, future reconciliation and peaceful relationships between different faith groups requires dealing with the trauma and suffering of the past. It also requires facilitating and sharing positive and hopeful examples of coexistence and mutual support between people of different faiths.
The political, social and security dynamics in Syria and Iraq are highly complex. There is no single recommendation or solution that will resolve the multitude of issues facing religious and ethnic minority groups as well as those facing the majority populations. Nevertheless, the recommendations outlined below aim to provide a basis for tackling the humanitarian crises, enabling displaced people to return home and creating a positive future for minorities in Syria and Iraq. It is worth noting that a certain level of stability needs to be achieved for the long-term recommendations listed below to become actionable.