ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) told Rudaw that Germany provided 53.25 million euros (over $62.6 million) in development funding to Iraq in 2025, while continuing to support projects in Shingal (Sinjar), particularly in areas affected by Islamic State (ISIS) attacks.
The ministry’s press office responded to Rudaw via email on Thursday regarding Berlin’s financial assistance to Baghdad and its role in the reconstruction of Shingal. “Within the framework of development cooperation with Iraq, a total of 53.25 million euros was provided in 2025,” the ministry’s office stated.
Regarding the portion of funds allocated to Iraq for humanitarian and development purposes that is specifically directed toward the reconstruction of Yazidi-populated towns and areas, particularly in the Shingal district, the ministry said Germany provides support through a range of targeted projects rather than a single earmarked funding stream.
“Among the current projects of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in Iraq, a large number of projects are active, including those in the Shingal district," the ministry said, adding that the most important activities include "psychosocial support, the restoration of livelihoods (especially in the field of agriculture), the renovation of basic infrastructure, and housing construction,” the ministry said.
Shingal, home to a large Yazidi population, was overrun by ISIS militants in August 2014. On August 14, 2014, ISIS committed a massacre against the Yazidis of the district, killing more than 5,000, displacing hundreds of thousands, and leaving deep social and psychological scars among the religious community.
In 2023, the German Bundestag officially recognized the crimes committed against the Yazidis as "genocide." Since then, Berlin has reiterated its commitment to supporting reconstruction efforts in Shingal to enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
Germany has also funded psychosocial therapy programs and rehabilitation services for displaced Yazidis living in camps across the Kurdistan Region through its implementing agencies, including the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).