Iraqi Christians are leaving their homeland once again

ACI MENA, Sep 8, 2024 / 06:00 am

The exodus of Iraqi Christians from their ancestral homeland is once again making headlines. Many families are fleeing the country, seeking refuge in neighboring nations as a temporary stopover before heading to distant destinations such as Australia.

Some believe this new wave of emigration began in late 2023 following a tragic fire in Bakhdida in northern Iraq. In its aftermath, despair and frustration permeated the Christian community. However, the exodus has now become alarming, affecting even Christians residing in the relatively secure Kurdistan Region.

The reasons behind this mass departure extend beyond the pursuit of secure job opportunities abroad that guarantee a decent living. Within Iraq, Christians grapple with numerous crises, including delayed salaries, power outages, water scarcity, and other challenges. Some are seeking citizenship elsewhere to secure a better future for their children, while others aim to reunite with extended family members abroad rather than remain isolated in their homeland.

In an interview with ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, civil activist Basma Azuz explained the rationale behind this tragic decision. 

“Emigration reflects a deep conflict between one’s identity and homeland versus the search for security and rights. It’s not always a negative phenomenon or an escape; it may be the only way to secure a better future. This phenomenon is a consecrated human right,” she said.

Azuz attributed the ongoing emigration from Iraq to complex social, economic, security, and political factors, “in addition to fear of persecution targeting the Church.”

She continued: “Pope Francis’ visit provided a temporary ray of hope for Christians. However, the worsening situation and the government’s failure to fulfill its promises have renewed Christians’ desire to emigrate, especially among young people. They seek a better future away from the challenges of their homeland.”

“Christians see their future as uncertain. They view their aspirations for security, dignity, and basic rights as natural human entitlements,” Azuz concluded.

Civil activist Dilan Adamat, founder of the “Return” nongovernmental organization, highlighted the challenges of emigration in his conversation with ACI Mena. 

“As people who have experienced emigration and return, we understand the suffering of immigrants in their new environment,” Adamat said.

“Although the current reasons for emigration are understandable — such as securing education, health, rights, and services — Iraqi Christians will face major challenges in their new destinations,” he explained. “They will encounter difficulties adapting to new cultures, social environments, and concepts of child-rearing.”

The wave of Christian emigration has not spared any city in Iraq, including those in the Kurdistan Region, dissolving Christian presence to near extinction. Unofficial statistics from the Shlama Foundation, which focuses on Christian affairs, confirm that Iraq has lost nearly 90% of its Christians over the past two decades, reflecting a profound loss of confidence in a better future.

This article was first published by ACI Mena, CNA's Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA.