Ezidikhan-Barbados Talks on Justice and Autonomy
Dr. Rudolph C. Rÿser (1946–2023), the visionary Founding Director of the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS), played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the Government of Ezidikhan and advocating for its autonomy. From 2017 until his untimely passing on October 16, 2023, Dr. Rÿser demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Yezidi people’s pursuit of self-determination, justice, and sovereignty. His efforts culminated in a historic agreement between the Government of Iraq and the nascent Government of Ezidikhan, finalized after seven years of intensive negotiations.
In 2017, Dr. Rÿser initiated high-level discussions with representatives from the Yezidi community and the Iraqi government, focusing on establishing a framework for Ezidikhan’s autonomy. His multifaceted approach included deliberations on the creation of an International Criminal Tribunal to address atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, the establishment of a robust Ezidikhan court system, and securing land and resource rights integral to the region’s identity and sustainability.
A crucial development in Ezidikhan’s journey toward international recognition has been its ongoing negotiations with the Government of Barbados. These talks are being facilitated by Daymon Gerard Corrie, Faith Keeper and Chief of the Eagle Clan of the Lokono-Arawak Tribe in Barbados and Guyana. A staunch advocate for Indigenous rights, Corrie was appointed Ezidikhan’s official ambassador-at-large by His Holiness the Baba Sheikh Khurto Hajji Ismail in 2017. In this role, Corrie has championed the principle that the right to self-determination for Indigenous peoples is both a legal and sacred human right.
In June 2024, Corrie was tasked with advancing discussions with the Barbados government on the Nations’ International Criminal Tribunal (NICT) Treaty. He successfully delivered the NICT Charter to the Barbadian authorities for their review, laying the groundwork for potential ratification of the treaty and Barbados’ possible role as a host for the Tribunal. Corrie has also played a vital role in bridging relationships between Ezidikhan and international judicial bodies. In December 2024, he delivered Ezidikhan’s autonomy agreement to the Barbadian government, requesting formal recognition of the Ezidikhan government’s autonomy.
Barbados has shown significant interest in collaborating with Ezidikhan, including plans to host Tunisian judges from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to support the tribunal’s establishment. The PCA, an intergovernmental organization founded in 1899, provides arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution services for a wide array of international conflicts. Unlike the International Court of Justice, the PCA does not maintain a permanent roster of judges but instead selects arbitrators tailored to the specific needs of each case. This flexibility makes the PCA an ideal partner for Ezidikhan’s vision of justice.
By the summer of 2023, a comprehensive agreement was reached between the Government of Iraq and Ezidikhan’s leadership. This agreement encompassed security provisions defining Ezidikhan’s borders and recognizing its claim over occupied lands in Syria that historically belonged to the region. The pact underscored both parties’ mutual acknowledgment of Ezidikhan’s territorial integrity and aspirations for autonomy. The agreement was ratified in July 2023 and signed into law in November 2024, marking a monumental achievement in Indigenous governance.
Dr. Rÿser’s foresight extended to the global stage, where he emphasized the importance of international recognition for Ezidikhan’s autonomy. He explicitly directed that finalized treaties be submitted to the United Nations Treaty Collection office to formalize Ezidikhan’s status and to facilitate its recognition as a non-member state by the United Nations. His vision was rooted in the belief that Indigenous governance could be a model for peace, justice, and resilience in the face of historical and ongoing injustices.
The legacy of Dr. Rÿser’s work endures, not only in the establishment of Ezidikhan’s autonomy but also in the principles of Indigenous self-determination and international collaboration that he championed. Together with the ongoing efforts of leaders like Daymon Gerard Corrie, Ezidikhan continues to inspire hope and progress for Indigenous nations worldwide.
