The international scientific conference on the genocide of the Faili Kurds was held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, from May 2 to May 4, 2023. This groundbreaking event aimed to shed light on the tragic genocide perpetrated against the Faili Kurdish community and to seek recognition and justice for the victims.

Through powerful testimonies, presentations, and scholarly research, the conference put forth irrefutable evidence of the systematic targeting, displacement, and killings of the Faili Kurds. By recognizing the genocide, the conference sought to break the silence surrounding these atrocities, ensure that the truth is known and acknowledged, and raise national and global awareness about the genocide. 

Participants included international human rights activists, scholars, and policymakers who united to amplify the voices of the victims and shed light on this tragic chapter in history. By creating a platform for international dialogue, the conference aimed to foster solidarity and garner support for justice and recognition of the genocide.

History of the Faili Kurds

The plight of the Faili Kurds, a minority group within the Kurdish population, has often been overlooked in discussions surrounding the Kurdish struggle. However, the recent conference "Genocide of the Faili Kurds" in Erbil aimed to bring attention to the genocide unfolding against the Faili Kurds. This article sheds light on this tragic situation and highlights the immediate need for international intervention to halt the atrocities being committed against this vulnerable community.

The Faili Kurds, also known as Shias of Kurdish origin, are a distinct group within the larger Kurdish population. They are primarily found in regions spanning Iraq and Iran. The term "Faili" is derived from the Persian word "Fayli," which refers to the Faili Kurds' historical connection to the Fayli tribe.

The Faili Kurds are ethnically Kurdish but adhere to the Shia branch of Islam, distinguishing them from other Kurdish groups, who are predominantly Sunni Muslims. Their unique religious identity sets them apart and has often made them targets of discrimination and marginalization.

Historically, the Faili Kurds have faced various challenges and hardships due to their minority status. In Iraq, under the regime of Saddam Hussein, they experienced severe repression and persecution. Many were forcibly displaced, and their properties were confiscated or destroyed. The Iran-Iraq War also resulted in displacement and casualties among the Faili Kurdish population.

Despite the difficulties they have faced, the Faili Kurds have preserved their distinct cultural heritage, including their own dialect, traditions, and customs, and have made significant contributions to Kurdish society, particularly in the fields of art, literature, and intellectual discourse.

Forced displacement and exile, property seizures, and the missing

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Faili Kurds faced a devastating tragedy as successive Iraqi regimes implemented a deliberate and systematic policy to target the community, which included a campaign of forced displacement and exile. 

Nearly 600,000 Faili Kurds were uprooted from their homes and forcibly sent to Iran,  resulting in the disruption of families, the loss of livelihoods, and the tearing apart of social fabric within the Faili Kurdish community. 

The homes, lands, and businesses of those displaced were also confiscated, which left the Failis without their means of sustenance and stripping them of their assets and further exacerbated their plight and contributed to their long-term marginalization.

Tragically, during this period, approximately 22,000 Failis also went missing during the forced displacement and exile, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unresolved questions. These individuals disappeared without a trace, leaving their families and loved ones searching for answers and living with the anguish of uncertainty. The lack of information or inability to gain any type of closure regarding the fate of these missing individuals has perpetuated the pain and grief for the Faili Kurdish community.

The forced displacement, property seizure, and loss of thousands of Faili Kurdish lives have had far-reaching consequences. The community continues to grapple with the trauma and challenges of rebuilding their lives. The unresolved issue of the missing Failis adds an additional layer of pain and unresolved justice, demanding attention and action from the international community.

Seeking justice and recognition

It is imperative that the international community recognizes and acknowledges the suffering endured by the Faili Kurdish community. Efforts should be made to seek justice for the victims and their families, ensuring that those responsible for the forced displacement, property seizure, and disappearances are held accountable for their actions. The families of the missing Failis deserve answers and closure, and steps should be taken to investigate and shed light on their fate.

The forced displacement, exile, and tragic disappearances of Faili Kurds in Iraq during the 1970s and 1980s represent a dark chapter in history that demands attention and recognition. The international community must stand in solidarity with the Faili Kurdish community, advocating for justice, accountability, and reparations. Only through acknowledging the past injustices and addressing the ongoing consequences can we hope to heal the wounds of the Faili Kurds and ensure a more inclusive and just future for all.

The Genocide of the Faili Kurds conference

The conference in May sought to shed light on the escalating violence and targeted attacks against the Faili Kurdish community. It brought together human rights activists, scholars, journalists, and representatives of the Faili Kurdish community to raise awareness about the severity of the situation and to call for urgent international intervention.

The conference participants presented compelling evidence of systematic human rights abuses and acts of violence targeting the Faili Kurds. Reports of mass killings, forced displacements, arbitrary detentions, destruction of property, and sexual violence were shared, painting a grim picture of the dire circumstances faced by this vulnerable minority group.

Urgent need for international action

The international community must acknowledge its responsibility to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the human rights of all individuals are respected. The conference in Erbil highlighted the pressing need for immediate international action to address the genocide of the Faili Kurds and to halt the ongoing genocide, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure justice for the victims. Here are crucial steps that should be taken:

- International Awareness and Advocacy: The conference played a significant role in raising awareness about the plight of the Faili Kurds. It is essential to continue advocating for their rights on a global scale, urging governments, international organizations, and human rights bodies to take notice and respond with urgency.

- Humanitarian Aid and Support: The international community should provide immediate humanitarian aid to the affected Faili Kurdish communities. This includes access to essential resources such as food, clean water, medical assistance, and shelter. Collaborative efforts between non-governmental organizations, governmental bodies, and international organizations are vital to ensure the delivery of much-needed aid.

- Accountability and Justice: Perpetrators of the genocide against the Faili Kurds must face accountability for their actions. International bodies, such as the United Nations and relevant human rights organizations, should conduct thorough investigations into the atrocities and support the establishment of legal mechanisms to bring the perpetrators to justice.

- Empowering Faili Kurdish Communities: To safeguard the future of the Faili Kurds, it is crucial to empower their communities. This includes promoting their cultural heritage, ensuring equal access to education and employment opportunities, and creating an inclusive environment that respects their rights as citizens.

By raising awareness, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for accountability, and empowering Faili Kurdish communities, the international community can contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future for all Kurds, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. It is time to act decisively and protect the fundamental rights of the Faili Kurds who have suffered for far too long.