Executive summary

The report “Supporting Stability and Sustainable Returns in Ni- nawa” project output 4.2: Iraqi diaspora in Australia engaged for advocacy and support”. A research project was launched with a focus on three objectives (in summary);

• Objective 1: Organizations (business) engagement with the Yazidi diaspora
• Objective 2: Interest and capacities to contribute to recovery and development in Iraq
• Objective 3: Perception of the prospect to short or long term return to Iraq

From mid March 2021 a small project team in Australia undertook to engage the Yazidi diaspora in survey and focus group discussions. Due to COVID-19 virtual methods had to be used with limited travel and frequent border closures between the states of Australia. The Yazidi diaspora focal areas are, Toowoomba in Queensland where the largest population of Yazidis reside; Coffs Harbour, Armidale, and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Mount Gambia in South Australia. Yazidis have been arriving to Australia since 2017 under the humanitarian visa process and are supported for their first five years of arrival by the Australian Government humanitarian support program. There are few Yazidi specific services or organizations operating in Australia with a view to specifically supporting Yazidis in Iraq.

There are limitations in the ability to do money transfer through the banking system between Iraq and Australia. However, survey participants identified that they are willing to and have sent money to Iraq primarily to help family and friends, particularly to support business and rebuilding. Reported amounts sent to Iraq are low at on average less than AUD$1,000 per occasion.

The majority of participants have thought about temporarily returning to Iraq but feel that the security situation and lack of justice are the main barriers to returning. There has been a small minority of the Australian Yazidi diaspora that has travelled to Iraq for burial of family. There is a deep sadness expressed by the diaspora about the war and ongoing issues in Iraq; the separation from important religious and cultural sites and a long term trauma experience that is still impacting the community today. Participants often encourage family and friends to leave Iraq, while at the same time feel extreme concern about being reunified with their family.

A very small number of participants expressed a desire to re- turn to Iraq permanently but most identified that Australia is their home now. With the vast majority of respondents falling in the 20-30 year old age bracket this may be an indicator of the general ideas of this age group that may or may not represent other age groups. During the study there was an underlying worry about sharing certain types of information with the re- search team, particularly around finances, as some people were concerned that it may lead to negative consequences from the Australian Government.

The study reveals a complex scenario of faced by both those who have arrived in Australia and those who remain in Iraq. The trauma of conflict and genocide remains unresolved and there is a sense of lack of justice and safety in Iraq. Family connections remain the priority for both supporting financially and in relation to reunification.

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