An Italian delegation, called 'The Road to Kurdistan', has been carrying out medical and educational aid efforts for refugees. As part of their ongoing work, the delegation attempted to visit the Martyr Rustem Cudi Refugee Camp in Maxmur on May 18. Despite operating through official channels, the delegation was stopped at the checkpoint at the entrance of the camp and denied permission to move further.

The delegation, which then sought to travel to the Yazidi town of Shengal (Sinjar), was stopped in Telafer and briefly detained in Mosul. Despite all the obstacles, the team managed to reach Shengal but was stopped by the Iraqi army while on their way to visit the Serdeşt Hospital in Sinûnê and was sent back.

The Shengal Health Committee reported that the delegation had previously developed projects in the areas of health, women, children, and education in the region and had returned to see these projects in action. The committee stated that Iraqi forces were obstructing health services and new projects.

The Shengal Autonomous Administration said that forces affiliated with the Iraqi government pursued policies of oppression against the Yazidi people and called on Iraqi political forces and the public to take a clear stance against these practices.

The Autonomous Administration of Shengal said, “We call on the Iraqi people and political forces to take a clear and firm stance against these unjust practices. The policies of oppression and siege against Şengal are deepening the wounds of our people who survived a genocide. This harms the unity of the Iraqi people.”