The plight of Yazidi refugees and migrants living in tented camps in Iraq and Kurdistan over the past decade is dire and heartbreaking. Forced to flee their homes due to persecution and violence, Yazidis have endured immense hardship and uncertainty. The recent announcement of the closure of camps and the lack of adequate support for repatriation has further exacerbated their already dire situation.

According to local Yezidi media: by the end of 2023, the camps for Yezidi refugees and resettlers are expected to close. As a local resident of the tent city says: "We are practically no longer receiving humanitarian aid, water and light outages have started, all wells are freezing at night.  We are running out of diesel fuel. Many refugees have no houses to return to, we are given pennies for returning to our destroyed houses. Before resettlement, many of us owned not only houses, but also households, and we have no money to rebuild them all. Resettling us in the winter season is very cruel. We are very hopeful for the international human rights community and the UN, help us." 

The impending closure of the camps puts these refugees and migrants at a crossroads, facing a bleak future and limited options. Returning to places of permanent residence often means returning to homes destroyed by the 2014 genocide of the Yazidi minority, with limited access to basic needs such as water and shelter. The lack of financial assistance and livelihood opportunities further complicates their prospects of rebuilding their lives.

The international community has a moral obligation to resolve this humanitarian crisis. Urgent action is needed to provide these refugees and migrants with the support they need to rebuild their lives and ensure their safety and well-being. This includes providing adequate financial assistance for repatriation and resettlement, investing in infrastructure and economic development for Yezidi communities, and ensuring access to education, health and other basic services.

The United Nations and human rights organizations must play a more active role in protecting the rights and well-being of Yezidi refugees and migrants. They must hold responsible parties accountable for atrocities committed against the Yezidi community and ensure that these people receive the justice and reparations they deserve.

The story of Yazidi refugees and migrants is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of conflict and displacement. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity is a powerful testament to the human spirit. It is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with them and to work towards a future in which they can live in peace and dignity.