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Sinjar, Iraq – 14 April 2025: In a landmark ceremony held at the Sinjar Municipal Directorate, the Governorate of Ninewa, Municipality of Sinjar, Real Estate Registration Department authorities launched the distribution of 1,338 ownership letters and issued approximately 100 title deeds to Yazidi residents in Dugrey and Tel Uzair Mujama’at. The Yazidis receiving these title deeds are being officially recognized as landowners for the first time in generations.
This unprecedented, large-scale issuance of title deeds is a diligent response to the implementation of Resolution No. 227, approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers in March 2025. Without the regulation, beneficiaries were faced with a fee of 20,000 Iraqi Dinars per square meter to obtain their title deeds, amounting to approximately USD 6,000 per household.
UN-Habitat has been actively advocating for the full waiver of payment for beneficiaries, aligning with the Prime Minister's intention to avoid placing any financial burden on them. The recently announced Council of Ministers' Resolution is a breakthrough, granting full waiver of all payments for title deeds in Yazidi communities in Sinjar and Ba’aj, and establishing a 60-day timeline for immediate implementation.
Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, commended the accomplishment: “The historic recognition of Yazidi land ownership in Sinjar marks a pivotal moment in our joint efforts towards justice and equality, and is proof of the Government of Iraq's commitment to the Yazidi community. This achievement is a tangible and solid example on advancing Durable Solutions, restoring dignity, identity, and hope to a community that has endured unimaginable hardships."
He added: "By officially recognizing their land rights and waiving all associated burden costs, we are reaffirming the joint commitment of the United Nations and Iraq to the Yazidi people and their rightful place in Iraq's future."
This milestone would not have been possible without the sustained efforts of UN-Habitat, whose work has been instrumental in advancing housing, land, and property rights for vulnerable communities.
Over a decade of dedicated efforts by UN-Habitat and its partners advocating for housing, land, and property rights have involved high-level dialogues, policy development, and on-the-ground support to ensure that the Yazidi people can access their rights. UN-Habitat has supported 103,091 individuals (44.85% women/55.15% man) with the issuance of 18,218 land occupancy certificates, which are now recognized and accepted as evidence for title deeds.
In the coming months, it is expected that all ownership letters will be distributed and upgraded to title deeds. Building on this success, more land occupancy certificates issued by UN-Habitat will also be upgraded to title deeds, further solidifying the rights of Yazidi landowners.