An expert on religious affairs says that there is still no clear picture regarding the national successor to the international investigative team “UNITAD” in Iraq.
Dr. Saad Salloum, an expert on religious affairs, told Sama that there is a lack of clear understanding about the institutions or organizations that can replace “UNITAD” to carry out its tasks, including dealing with documents and evidence collected to accuse the terrorist organization ISIS and document the major crimes it committed, such as genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes during its control of Nineveh Governorate and other areas of Iraq.
He pointed out that Yazidi elites and activists should demand the establishment of a national mechanism that can be an effective successor to “UNITAD,” saying: This mechanism should be able to continue the work that the international team has started and be able to bring those responsible for crimes against the Yazidi community and other components of Iraqi society to court.
He explained that this successor could be an international criminal court, a national court, or a mixed court that includes both international and national sides to ensure justice and accountability.
He emphasized that this requires a change or reform in the content of national legislation, so that the perpetrators of these crimes are classified as perpetrators of genocide, not just as members of a terrorist organization, as is currently the case.
Regarding this step, he said: This legal reform is a key step to ensure a fair and comprehensive trial for those responsible for the crimes committed against the Yazidis.