Reaction from Civilians of Hawija on the Committee Sorgdrager Report

The much awaited Committee Sorgdrager Report was finally released on 27 Jan 2025. This investigative committee was tasked with determining why a Dutch air strike carried out in 2015 in Hawija, Iraq, which resulted in over 85 civilian casualties as per research conducted by PAX, Al-Ghad and IRW. While the report also draws on lessons learned for the benefit of future operations, the civilians of Hawija feel that the report did not meaningfully discuss how they need to be compensated. Representatives from PAX and Ashor were in Hawija when the report was released, discussing the findings with authorities and civilians of Hawija. This blog discusses the reactions of civilians, as well as Ashor, an independent organization active in Hawija, on the Committee Sorgdrager Report.

For further queries or comments on civilian perspectives, please contact Wilbert van der Zeijden (vanderzeijden@paxforpeace.nl) and Saba Azeem (azeem@paxforpeace.nl)