UK Report Urges Action to Protect Iraq’s Vulnerable Religious Minorities

Call for Action to Safeguard Iraq’s Religious Minorities Amidst Ongoing Challenges

Religious minorities in Iraq, including Christians and Yazidis, continue to face significant threats despite the defeat of ISIS. A recent parliamentary report urges both the UK and Iraq to take renewed measures to protect these vulnerable communities.

The report, spanning 28 pages, is a collaborative effort by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB), Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) UK, and BYU Law. It follows a fact-finding mission to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region in February, where delegates engaged with government officials, church leaders, and minority representatives.

During the visit, faith leaders expressed optimism, with some describing the delegation’s presence as “a sign of hope.” Iraq’s population is roughly 42 million, with Muslims comprising 97%. Non-Muslim minorities, such as Christians, Yazidis, and Sabean-Mandaeans, make up only 3%, a decline attributed to conflict and displacement over the years.

In 2025, Iraq was ranked 19th on Open Doors’ World Watch List, marking it as a challenging environment for religious minorities. APPG FoRB chair Jim Shannon MP highlighted the visit’s importance in understanding the conditions faced by these communities.

The report acknowledges progress in some areas but also outlines persistent challenges. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was commended for fostering coexistence and protecting minorities. However, issues like the incomplete Sinjar Agreement, ongoing Yazidi trauma, and poor accountability for ISIS crimes remain pressing concerns.

The KRG has supported minority communities by providing land for churches and facilitating infrastructure projects, aiding in the retention of these communities in the region. Yet, economic strains are pushing many, particularly the youth, to consider emigration.

In Ankawa, Erbil’s Christian-majority suburb, developments in education and healthcare, such as Mar Qardakh International School and Maryamana Hospital, represent local resilience. The Catholic University in Erbil is fostering mutual respect among Muslim, Christian, and Yazidi students.

The Yazidi community’s challenges are acute. Testimonies from Yazda, an advocacy group, reveal ongoing struggles, with 350,000 Yazidis still displaced and over 2,500 missing following ISIS atrocities. The Sinjar Agreement’s implementation is critical for their safe return.

The report calls for increased diplomatic efforts from the UK to aid the Sinjar Agreement’s execution, enhance ISIS crime accountability, and maintain dialogue with religious leaders. It also recommends boosting support for displaced individuals in Kurdistan and exploring economic measures to mitigate migration.

For the Iraqi federal government, the report suggests improving security for Christians, disarming militias, and addressing mass grave excavations. Recognizing the genocide against minorities and resolving budget disputes with the KRG are also emphasized.

The Kurdistan Regional Government is praised for its proactive approach but is encouraged to continue addressing hate speech and providing financial support to affected communities. Despite the region’s relative stability, unresolved issues pose a continued threat to minority communities’ futures.