The situation of Iraqi minorities

Discrimination against minorities is not a new problem in Iraq, but it has increased dramatically in those areas which have fallen under the control of the ‘Islamic State’ (IS). The level of killings and displacements has reached an unprecedented high in a very short period of time.

This dossier provides an overview of the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq prior to the attacks by IS. It also discusses how the seizure of power by IS puts the very existence of several Iraqi ethnic and religious groups at risk.