ROME – Kurdish authorities have  launched an appeal to the Italian people not to abandon the thousands who have been driven from their homes by the rise of the Islamic State.

  The volatile situation in the region as Isis forces continue to advance has created a logistical nightmare for humanitarian workers. In the last few months the number of internally-displaced peoples has risen to around 1.4 million.

 The region is home to many religious and ethnic minorities, who have historically been the target of persecution, including Christians, and members of the Yazidi and Shabak cultures. As officials point out, prior to the American invasion in 2003 there were around one million Christians in the region, today that figure has shrivelled to around 400,000.

 The Kurdistani Regional Government said in their appeal, “Today Isis are persecuting them once again, subjecting them to systematic violence in the form of torture, slavery, depravation and forcing them to make the choice between religious conversion or being driven from their homes. Women and children are the victims who are hit worst by these terrorists, becoming the object of sexual assault and sold like goods in a market.”

 Pope Francis has spoken out against the religious persecution, saying, “From the beginnings of Christianity, Christians in the Middle East have lived alongside their fellow citizens and offered a significant contribution to the good of their society. Today they are persecuted and are forced to leave their homes without being able to take anything with them. To these families I give my prayers. I know how much you suffer, I know how much you are deprived.”

 The official appeal asks: “Help us to stop this wave of terrible violence, help us to return these people to their homes, help us to restore peace and stability to Kurdistan. There are thousands of people still at risk. It is the duty of all humanity!”  

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