New York, NY. September 17, 2024 ... The ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) Task Force on Middle East Minorities applauds the introduction and urges the swift passage of House Resolution 554 affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for the religious and ethnic minority survivors of genocide in Iraq.
The resolution reaffirms the unwavering support of the U.S. government for the survivors of genocide among Iraq’s religious and ethnic minority communities. These communities—comprising Yezidis, Turkmen, Shabak, Sabaean-Mandeans, Kaka’i, and indigenous Christians (including Chaldean, Syriac, Assyrian, Armenian, and Melkite groups)—have been vital to the cultural and historical landscape of Iraq and the broader Middle East for centuries.
Tragically, these communities were subjected to severe atrocities by ISIS, including murder, forced conversion, human trafficking, and the destruction of cultural heritage. The U.S. Secretary of State has formally recognized these acts as genocide and crimes against humanity.
The resolution presents a comprehensive list of priorities including upholding human rights; restoration and return of displaced communities, supplied with rebuilding efforts; ensuring effective political representation; and encouraging greater regional integration and administrative autonomy for minority groups within Iraq’s federal framework.
Reflecting on the historical exodus of the Jewish population from Iraq in 1950s, which wiped out an entire community, and how that represented a significant loss for the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Iraq, ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities urges swift passage of House Resolution 554 which would enable the survival of Yezidis, Turkmen, Shabak, Sabaean-Mandeans, Kaka’i, and indigenous Christians in their native lands.
In 2018, ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities supported the passing of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act (H.R.390), which underscores the commitment of the U.S. in directing humanitarian aid to those most in need, especially those targeted by ISIS. The Task Force support for H.R. 554 follows our endorsement of H.R. 390.
Shadi Martini, co-chair of ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities and Chief Executive Director of Multifaith Alliance stated: “As a person who worked directly with ethnic Minorities in Iraq, I know how important the passing of House Resolution 554 is for the minority communities who have been targeted specifically in recent years. I urge Congress to pass the legislation and for the president to sign it into law.”
Nadine Maenza, ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities member and President at IRF Secretariat further added that "Congress should pass House Resolution 554, urging the U.S. and international community to make upholding the human rights and dignity of religious and ethnic minorities a priority in their Iraq policy. This includes pushing for fair representation in parliament and local governments, appropriate budget allocation by the Iraq Government, continued support by international aid donors, and the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the displaced."