C4JR

Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR)

Iraq is where the terror started for us, Yazidis; It is from where most ISIL leaders are from; It is where we were killed or abducted from. If ISIL members are not prosecuted in Iraq, then where will they be prosecuted? It is important that this justice takes place in Iraq, only then will we be able to trust our country again. We have been waiting for this for eight years, until when will we need to wait?

– The Yazidi Survivors Network

Background, Purpose & Aspirations

This Position Paper was the outcome of ten months of intensive discussion between C4JR members aimed at identifying principles on which the long overdue criminal accountability mechanism for ISIL should be based. The discussion was informed by the views of survivors and by past experiences of accountability processes for atrocity crimes in Iraq, and grounded in Iraqi as well as international law and best practices. Its purpose is to bring in fresh momentum to the pursuit of criminal accountability for international crimes committed by ISIL in Iraq by delineating best international practices on involving survivors and respecting their rights and needs during criminal proceedings against the perpetrators. The position paper also strives to put forward concrete solutions, rather than general demands, on how to respect and acknowledge individual survivors, their families and communities in the prospective criminal proceedings.

Read The Position Paper

Basic Demands

The Iraqi authorities should act immediately to

Incorporate genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes into national law.

Establish a survivor-friendly criminal accountability mechanism meeting international standards with jurisdiction over international crimes committed by ISIL.

Importance

It’s important to do the above for the following reasons

In order for Iraq to comply with its international obligations to exercise criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

To accurately capture the nature and extent of the crimes committed by ISIL from 2014 until 2017, including sexual violence and crimes against children: while German courts have convicted two ISIL members on genocide charges, including an Iraqi national; an Iraqi court has yet to do so.

To promote a survivor-centered justice approach where survivors’ voices can be heard to facilitate healing.

Gallery

Courageous examples of resilience and hope from survivors of the ISIS conflict.

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FAQ

Answers to common questions.

What is the Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR)?

The Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR) is an alliance of Iraqi NGOs advocating for comprehensive reparations for survivors of atrocities committed during the ISIL conflict in Iraq. C4JR aims to address the grievances of survivors from various affected groups and promote justice and accountability.

What is the main goal of the C4JR Position Paper?

The C4JR Position Paper aims to outline principles for establishing a long-overdue criminal accountability mechanism for ISIL crimes in Iraq. The paper is informed by survivor views, past accountability processes, and international law, and it seeks to guide the establishment of a mechanism that aligns with international standards.

Which organizations endorse the C4JR Position Paper on an ISIL Accountability Mechanism in Iraq?

The following organizations endorse the C4JR Position Paper:

·       ASUDA

·       Better World Organization for Community Development (BWO)

·       CAPNI for Humanitarian Aids in Iraq

·       Civil Development Organization “CDO”

·       Dak Organization

·       Emma

·       Eyzidi Organization for Documentation

·       Ghasin Alzaiton

·       Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO)

·       Harikar

·       HÁWAR. Help

·       Iraqi Educational Association AL Basra

·       Iraqi Institution for Development (IID)

·       Jinda Organization

·       Justice Organization for Minority Rights (JOMR)

·       Methra Organization

·       National Centre for Human Rights (NHCR)

·       Nisha Organization

·       Peace and Freedom Organization

·       TAJDID Iraq

·       The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights

·       The Observer Human Rights Center OHRC

·       Women Leadership Institute (WLI)

·       Women Legal Assistance Organization (WOLA)

·       Yazda

·       Yazidi Survivors Network (YSN)

How should the criminal mechanism be established?

The Iraqi government should enact legislation to establish jurisdiction over ISIL crimes and seek international cooperation. Different models may be considered to bring justice to the survivors such as a fully international tribunal, a hybrid tribunal model, which has been successful in similar contexts, or national criminal justice avenues embedded into the current Iraqi judicial structure. What is important is that any accountability avenue should be able to bring meaningful justice to the survivors while respecting the Iraqi Constitution and international law.

What crimes should the mechanism prosecute?

The mechanism should have jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against children. The ICC Rome Statute provides a basis for defining these crimes.

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