OUR DEMANDS FOR THE 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION – YAZIDIS IN IRAQ AND GERMANY, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, AND SYRIA

Demand 1: A Stop to the Deportation of Yazidis to Iraq

In Germany, the official recognition of the genocide against the Yazidis by the Bundestag has provided visibility and hope to the Yazidi diaspora in Germany – and has represented another important step towards justice. However, actions must follow from the resolution, which also included demands to the federal government: Germany must be a safe refuge for Yazidis. Yet many Yazidis in Germany currently face the threat of deportation to Iraq, even though their homeland remains uninhabitable and unsafe due to discrimination, persecution, and armed conflicts. We demand an immediate stop to the deportation of Yazidis to Iraq.

Demand 2: Reconstruction of Shingal

Iraq remains unsafe for Yazidis. More than ten years after the genocide of the Yazidis, Iraq is still unstable, and the Yazidis’ homeland remains uninhabitable. Approximately one hundred thousand Yazidis continue to live in IDP camps in the Autonomous Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi government repeatedly attempts to force the residents of these camps to return through (threatened) camp closures, even though there is a lack of infrastructure and security in the Yazidis’ homeland region. Additionally, discrimination and persecution continue to pose a threat, and hatred as well as violence toward the Yazidis continues to occur. Germany must advocate for the reconstruction of the Yazidis’ ancestral homeland, Shingal.

Demand 3: Strengthening the Sovereignty of Iraq

The German government should advocate for the preservation of Iraq’s sovereignty. This sovereignty is primarily violated politically and militarily-logistically by the Islamic Republic of Iran on one hand, and through military attacks by NATO ally Türkiye on the other. Under the pretext of counterterrorism, Türkiye repeatedly conducts airstrikes on areas in northern Iraq, including refugee camps, resulting in civilian casualties. This constitutes violations of international law. We demand an investigation into these violations of international law and the cessation of arms deliveries to Türkiye. Furthermore, Germany, as a NATO member, must exert more pressure on its alliance partner Türkiye to cease attacks on democratic movements and allies of the military alliance “International Coalition Against the Islamic State,” which includes Kurdish and Yazidi forces. Furthermore, the Iranian regime maintains a paramilitary presence in Iraq through dozens of Shiite militias, exerting political influence over the country’s affairs. This is done by occupying key positions in the political sphere and through extortion by threatening or using violence against Iraqi parliamentarians and decision-makers. We call for Germany to engage in efforts to promote Iraq’s sovereignty and work towards curbing the influence of the Iranian regime. 

Demand 4: Implementation of the German Bundestag’s Demands Following the Recognition of the Genocide Against the Yazidis

The demands made by the German Bundestag in the context of recognizing the genocide against the Yazidis and the proclaimed responsibility towards the Yazidi community must be pursued and implemented (see document 20/5228). This includes, among other things, the legal investigation of international crimes related to the genocide against the Yazidis, the reconstruction of destroyed cities and villages in Iraq, the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement with the involvement of the Yazidi community, and ensuring protection within the asylum procedure. 

Demand 1: A Stop to Deportations 

We strongly criticize the expiration of the deportation ban to Iran at the end of 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran is not a safe country. In Bavaria, at least four people were deported to Iran in the first three months of 2024, and two other deportations were stopped at the last minute. Those threatened with deportation include, among others, converted Christians, homosexuals, and women. In July, the deportation of a 17-year-old Kurdish girl, who had participated in the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests at her school, and her 70-year-old grandmother was only prevented at the last minute through civil society efforts. The protection rate for refugees from Iran dropped to 39% in the first quarter of 2024. The Conference of Interior Ministers must impose a nationwide deportation stop for Iran. 

Demand 2: Recognition of Causes of Flight 

Minorities and marginalized groups are systematically persecuted in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Baha’is, Kurds, Baluchis, queer individuals, and others are criminalized and arbitrarily imprisoned. Converting to another religion is severely punished, up to and including the death penalty. Gender-based persecution must be recognized as grounds for asylum, as well as persecution based on ethnic and religious affiliation with a marginalized group, and based on sexual orientation. 

Demand 3: Support for Persecuted Individuals in Germany 

More than 250 people who participated in the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests have entered Germany on humanitarian visas. Structural support is needed for them, which is currently only being provided by civil society. Easier access to language courses, medical care, and long-term involvement in political processes, such as the opportunity to participate in UN Commission on Inquiry conferences, is necessary for faster integration. 

Demand 4: Protection Measures for Opponents in Germany

The intelligence services of the Islamic Republic of Iran threaten opposition activists, journalists, and others in Germany. There is a need for increased protection measures and greater awareness within security authorities. 

Demand 5: Consistent Action Against Islamic Republic of Iran Entities in Germany

The Islamic Republic of Iran has numerous institutions in Germany. We welcome the closure of the “Islamic Center Hamburg” (IZH) and demand the same for the so-called “Iran House” in Berlin and the branches of the regime’s banks. The latter are sanctioned by the United States for providing financial services to terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah.

Demand 6: Consistent Action Against Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Regime’s Intelligence Services in Germany

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns about the activities of the intelligence services of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Germany. The agency is aware of 160 individuals linked to the Revolutionary Guard in Germany. These individuals pose a danger to opposition groups, as well as to the Jewish community. The German government must take consistent action against this threat. 

Demand 7: Terrorist Designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by the EU

The European Union must add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the EU’s list of terrorist organizations. The IRGC is responsible for terrorism both within Iran, against its own population, and globally, by financing and controlling terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. 

Demand 8: Expansion of Personal Sanctions

Personal sanctions must be imposed on all individuals responsible for human rights violations in Iran. The EU must closely monitor the implementation of these sanctions.

Demand 9: Termination of Trade Relations

Despite sanctions, exports of goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran from Germany increased by more than 22% to 241 million euros between January and February 2024. Imports decreased by more than 13% to 41.2 million euros. Trade relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran must be completely terminated. Violations related to the transfer of surveillance technologies to the Islamic Republic of Iran must be consistently penalized and prevented across the EU. 

Demand 10: Legal Accountability and Prosecution of Violations of International Law

International crimes, especially crimes against humanity, as identified by the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The Islamic Republic of Iran must be urged to adhere to and implement the human rights treaties it has ratified, as well as to join the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT). The German government should participate in international justice efforts, such as advocating for the extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, continuing and enforcing EU sanctions regimes, and supporting investigative initiatives. 

Demand 11: Recognize and Classify Gender Apartheid as a Crime Against Humanity

The Islamic Republic of Iran must be recognized and classified as a state practicing gender apartheid. This crime against humanity, along with other crimes against humanity recognized by the UN’s investigative commission, must be legally prosecuted. 

Demand 12: Termination of Nuclear Negotiations

The talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the renewal of the so-called nuclear deal have failed. The regime uses these negotiations to gain legitimacy. Germany must end the talks. 

Demand 13: Human Rights-Oriented Bilateral Relations

A radical shift in German and European policy towards Iran is needed, one that places human rights at the center. Conversations must be sought with civil society, not with the regime’s rulers. All discussions with the regime in Tehran must require adherence to human rights. The two main prerequisites are: the release of political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty. 

Demand 14: Strategy to End Hostage Diplomacy

German citizens are still being held hostage in Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran uses European citizens as pawns against European countries. Their release must be the highest priority. A common European strategy to end hostage diplomacy is required. 

Demand 15: Investigation into the Case of Jamshid Sharmahd

We demand the establishment of an independent investigation committee to thoroughly investigate the case of Jamshid Sharmahd. This committee should examine the entire course of his abduction to his execution. In particular, it should review whether the former governments took all necessary measures to protect his rights, what steps were taken, and where possible omissions or mistakes occurred. 

Demand 16: Protection for Iranian Refugees in Iran’s Neighboring Countries

The situation of Iranian refugees in Iran’s neighboring countries has dramatically deteriorated in recent months. This particularly affects refugees in Türkiye and the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan. Türkiye is deporting refugees back to Iran, including former political prisoners or individuals facing the death penalty. Following an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq, many residence permits for Iranian refugees in the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan are not being renewed. The German government must increase pressure on Türkiye and Iraq to stop the deportations of Iranian refugees. Additionally, humanitarian aid is needed for refugees in the neighboring regions of Iran. 

Demand 17: Easier Access to Humanitarian Visas

Those persecuted for political, gender-specific, religious, or ethnic reasons must be given easier access to humanitarian visas under Section 22 of the Residence Act. The processes must be expedited and made accessible without barriers. 

Demand 1: Listing Gender-Apartheid as a Crime Against Humanity in International Law 

Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghan citizens are facing increasing disenfranchisement. Daily human rights violations occur, with people being stripped of their fundamental freedoms. Women and girls in Afghanistan are particularly affected. The Taliban have established a rigid gender-apartheid regime: Women are increasingly pushed out of the public sphere, are banned from working, attending secondary schools, and in some provinces, they cannot leave their homes without a male guardian. In early December, a Taliban decree came into force banning women from pursuing medical education, thus cutting them off from medical care, as men are prohibited from treating women under Taliban rule. Reports of arbitrary arrests and sexual violence against women by the Taliban continue to accumulate. We demand the listing of gender-apartheid as a crime against humanity and as an offense under international law. State laws, policies, and practices that subject women to conditions of extreme inequality and oppression, with the intention of effectively erasing their human rights, reflect the core of apartheid systems. Afghanistan must therefore be named and classified as a gender-apartheid state. 

Demand 2: Criminal Prosecution of the Taliban

Crimes against humanity committed by the Taliban must be prosecuted at the International Criminal Court or under the principle of universal jurisdiction, to hold the perpetrators accountable. 

Demand 3: No Political Cooperation with the Taliban

The Taliban must not be recognized by any new German government. This includes any political cooperation beyond humanitarian aid, such as direct or indirect talks regarding deportation agreements, as such talks gradually legitimize the Taliban’s rule. 

Demand 4: Continued Suspension of Deportations to Afghanistan

Due to the human rights situation, Afghanistan is not a safe country of origin. People in the country are deprived of their fundamental human and civil rights. Women and girls in Afghanistan are especially affected, as the Taliban has imposed a rigid gender-apartheid regime. Women are being pushed out of the public sphere, prohibited from working, attending secondary schools, or in some provinces, leaving the house without a male guardian. We demand that deportations to Afghanistan remain suspended, as a dignified life and safety are not possible for many Afghan citizens, especially women and minorities.

Demand 5: Consideration of Additional Sanctions Against the Taliban

Due to the human rights situation in Afghanistan and the lack of any improvement in sight, political measures such as expanding sanctions targeting Taliban officials, without harming the population, must be considered and reviewed. 

Demand 6: Continuation of the Federal Admission Program

In 2022, the Federal Admission Program (BAP) was established to provide a pathway for particularly vulnerable Afghan citizens to be resettled in Germany. The program targets Afghans who have advocated for human and women’s rights, supported a democratic, rule-of-law-based Afghanistan, or who are persecuted due to their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. 

However, the implementation of the BAP has been slow and far below expectations: The program promised up to 1,000 admissions per month, meaning that by August 2024, 22,000 people could have been admitted to Germany. In reality, by the end of 2024, only 3,055 admission commitments had been made under the BAP, and only 1,020 people had arrived. In summer 2024, it was revealed that the government’s budget draft for 2025 had proposed a 90% reduction in funding for the BAP, effectively ending the program. After several civil society organizations – including HÁWAR.help – advocated for the continuation of the BAP, the Budget Committee decided in early November to continue issuing new admission commitments and providing financial resources for 2025. Shortly after, however, the government collapsed, and further funding remains uncertain, with a decision on future admissions still pending. 

We demand the continuation and adequate funding of the Federal Admission Program (BAP) to evacuate particularly vulnerable Afghan citizens to Germany. 

Demand 1: The Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Self-Administration of North and East Syria and Their Inclusion in Peace Talks

The multi-ethnic state of Syria is shaped by conflicting interests and power dynamics, but there are also approaches toward a potentially democratic and peaceful reorientation for the time after the fall of Assad and the ongoing civil war that has lasted for 13 years. We demand support for the democratic and pluralistic forces in Syria through the establishment of diplomatic relations with the self-administration of North and East Syria and their inclusion in peace talks for Syria. This would be an important step in promoting peace in the region. The self-administration seeks a political solution for the Syrian civil war and a peace process. The goal is a decentralized government, with local administrative units and equal rights for all ethnicities and minorities in the country. The diplomatic representation of the self-administration in Germany already announced in December that it is willing “to contribute to the stabilization and pacification of Syria and the entire region in close, regular, and comprehensive coordination with the German government and the European Union.” 

Demand 2: Accountability for Violations of International Law by Türkiye and Suspension of Arms Deliveries to Türkiye

Since 2018, Türkiye has de facto occupied the Kurdish region of Afrin in northern Syria through Islamist militias financed and controlled by Türkiye, which now fight under the name “Syrian National Army” (SNA). After the invasion, supported by the Turkish Air Force, a local regime of violence was established in 2018, targeting the abduction, torture, and expulsion of Kurdish residents and even forced conversions (including of Yazidis). Additionally, colonial exploitation practices were implemented, such as the deforestation and plundering of olive groves in Afrin, a crucial source of income for the local population. These are not only acts violating international law, but in the context of global climate change, they also constitute environmental crimes against humanity. 

Moreover, the Turkish military, under the pretext of combating terrorism, repeatedly targets areas in Syria, especially in the north and northeast, from the air to prevent Kurdish autonomy efforts. This results in civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure. Since late 2024, the SNA has advanced against the Kurdish self-administration of North and East Syria. We demand accountability for international law violations committed by Türkiye, an end to arms deliveries to Türkiye, and that Germany, as a NATO member, exerts more pressure on its Turkish ally to respect democratic movements and the partners of the “International Coalition Against the Islamic State,” including Kurdish and Yazidi forces. 

Demand 3: Terror Listing and Sanctioning of HTS and SNA

Following the advance of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham militia (HTS), which ultimately brought down Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and installed an interim government, the future of the Syrian opposition movement is uncertain. Both the HTS, whose origins lie in the Al-Nusra Front (affiliated with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda), and the SNA, are documented for serious human rights violations, including attacks on and targeted killings, kidnappings, and detentions of women and ethnic and religious minorities. Germany should advocate for the retention of the EU’s terrorist listing of HTS and for the listing of the SNA as a terrorist organization in the EU Council, as well as sanctions against individuals, groups, companies, and entities associated with it. 

Demand 4: Protection of the Rights of Women and Minorities

Syria, as a multi-ethnic state, must become a safe home for all its residents, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religious or political affiliation. However, documented human rights violations against women and minorities by the new rulers of HTS (and the SNA) raise concerns. There is great fear among women and many minorities in Syria, including Kurds, Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims, Alawites, Circassians, and Armenians. Furthermore, the statements of the newly appointed Minister for Women, Aisha Al-Dibs, suggesting that women are primarily responsible for their families and husbands, imply that gender equality is not pursued by the interim government in Syria. Women have already protested for their rights in Damascus. These voices must be heard. Germany must repeatedly advocate on the international level for the protection of women and minorities to enable the stabilization and pacification of Syria with equal rights for all. 

Demand 5: Support for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Aid for Syria and Northeast Syria

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains critical. The ongoing fighting since 2011 has destroyed large parts of the country and crucial infrastructure. 90% of the population lives in poverty. Germany has already announced that it will provide funds for aid projects, but further engagement, especially in light of the potential suspension of U.S. aid funds, must follow. 

Demand 6: Suspension of Deportations to Syria

We demand a nationwide suspension of deportations to Syria. The continually changing situation on the ground shows that the conditions for a safe and dignified return to Syria are not in place. Former regime supporters have not yet been fully disarmed. Depending on their ethnic-religious background or political beliefs, returnees may face repression, torture, oppression, persecution, and violence from HTS/SNA. Although deportations to Syria are currently de facto not taking place, calls for the resumption of deportations to Syria have grown louder in politics and society. A nationwide decision against Syria as a safe country of origin is needed, as long as the human rights situation in the country remains volatile. At the same time, Syrian nationals who sought protection in Germany should be allowed to assess the situation on the ground and evaluate the possibility of a safe return by being allowed to travel to Syria without losing their protection status. 

Demand 7: Repatriation of IS Members with German Citizenship and Criminal Prosecution

Since the so-called Islamic State (IS) was militarily defeated, captured IS fighters and supporters, including German citizens, are being held by Kurdish forces (partners of the “International Coalition Against the Islamic State”) in prisons and refugee camps. This poses a significant security risk, as there is no de-radicalization of these individuals in the camps, and Kurdish forces are struggling to manage the camps and prisons. The recent decrees by U.S. President Donald Trump create further uncertainty: the suspension of aid funds also affects the administration and care of these prisons and refugee camps. Without support, the administration of the prisons, humane detention, and criminal proceedings according to international standards cannot be guaranteed. Germany must repatriate German citizens who joined IS (and their families) so that criminal prosecution and de-radicalization programs can take place in Germany. 

Demand 8: Support for the Search for Missing Yazidis

More than 2,600 Yazidis remain missing, a decade after the genocide perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State. Some are believed to be in refugee camps administered by Kurdish forces, where they were abducted by IS supporters currently detained there. Although official organizations and activist groups exist to assist Yazidi families, a coordinated, large-scale search involving Iraqi, Kurdish, and international actors has yet to take place. As a result, many families are left to search for their abducted relatives on their own. We call on Germany, as the country with the largest Yazidi diaspora globally, to take action in locating the missing Yazidis and to support search efforts in Syria and other affected countries. 

Demand 9: Strengthening the “International Coalition Against the Islamic State”

The new US administration could create a security vacuum in Syria and Iraq if U.S. forces are withdrawn from the “International Coalition Against the Islamic State.” In this context, Germany should advocate for the continuation of the military alliance at least at its current strength. Otherwise, there is a risk of the Islamic State and other Islamist-jihadist groups gaining strength in the region. 

Demand 10: Addressing the Crimes of the Assad Regime and the So-Called Islamic State (IS), and International Criminal Prosecution of Perpetrators

The crimes of the Assad regime must be addressed, and perpetrators must be held accountable – also to prevent acts of revenge and vigilante justice in the country and contribute to the pacification of Syria. Due to Germany’s experience in addressing the gravest human rights violations and as the country with the largest Syrian exile community, we call for Germany to advocate for the international and national criminal prosecution of the perpetrators and to support the documentation and investigation of the crimes. This could also take place in the framework of an international criminal tribunal in Syria, where the actions of IS for crimes in Syria and Iraq could be brought to trial. Germany should push for the creation of such a tribunal at the UN and EU levels, as well as for strengthening the Syrian civil society.