The Mandaeans are minority community that lived in Iraq for thousands of years. Out of a community of 50,000-60,000 before 2003 less than 5,000 remain inside Iraq. 85% of the community are either refugees or are seeking refuge and are mainly in Syria and Jordan as a result of targeted and sustained extreme religious hatred and violence.
The chilling statistics of recorded crimes against the Mandaeans since 2003 stand at 170 killings,275kidnappings and 298 assaults and forced conversion to Islam .Some including women and children.
Mandaean have not benefited from the recent reported improvement in security. If anything the killing, kidnapping, looting and demands for ransom have intensified considering that only small number are still living inside Iraq
Most recent atrocities are the attack on the 2nd of September of Abdul Wahid AlBender and his family in their home in Baghdad Aljedida by armed men resulting in the killing of this elderly gentleman and the injuries of his wife .When his sons tried to defend themselves they are the ones that are arrested .Other recent incidents were the killing of Mr. We 'am Abdul Nabi Lazem on the 6th of August in his shop in Iskan district of Baghdad In the same way as the killing of three gold smith in Tobchi area few months ago and the killing of anther three goldsmiths and a child of 8years old before that in Shaib area all professionally executed using pistols with silencers in busy shopping areas with security presence .
Despite the efforts by the Mandaean community leadership to bring these recent atrocities to the attention of the police, and Iraqi Government, nothing practical and effective have been done to put a stop to such crimes.
1. We the undersigned condemn these serious crimes and demand the following
That the IRAQI Government act immediately to find the criminals and the organizations behind them and bring justice to the victims
2. That the Iraqi government instates a system of protection for the Mandaeans and Other Minorities in Iraq
3. That the international community intervene to secure the rights of ethnic and religious minorities according to the UN and international laws
4. That the international community to take serous steps to stop the destruction of Mandaean people and their culture and find a durable solution to their desperate situation by resettlement in one country
The Mandaeans as a people are in danger of extinction in their home land. The international community must stand up and save the Mandaeans of Iraq. We ask you all to help us stop these atrocities and to bring peace and security to all the native people of Iraq
