The Ongoing Quest for Justice: The Departure of UNITAD and the Struggle for Yazidi Victims
As the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by ISIS (UNITAD) prepares to conclude its mission in Iraq, concerns are mounting about the potential consequences for Yazidi victims and other minority communities. UNITAD, instrumental in documenting ISIS crimes, faces criticism for its impending withdrawal and the uncertainty it brings to the quest for justice.
Established in 2017, UNITAD’s mandate included collecting evidence, conducting exhumations, and training Iraq’s judiciary. However, challenges in the team’s relationship with the Iraqi government and issues with compensation and legal frameworks continue to hinder progress.
Expert Khdir Dombley highlighted the lack of transparency in trials and insufficiencies in compensating Yazidi survivors. UNITAD’s departure raises questions about ongoing trials and the preservation of critical evidence, leaving the future of justice and accountability uncertain.
UNITAD’s exit also threatens efforts to address mass graves and secure justice for victims, like the recent rescue of two Yazidi women abducted by ISIS. The departure of UNITAD highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for continued international support in ensuring accountability for past atrocities.