A/HRC/34/53/Add.1 VII. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 78. Ethnic and religious communities are facing an unprecedented crisis that may threaten their continued existence in Iraq. Atrocities committed by ISIL since 2014, which have targeted minority groups in particular, constitute the most recent and brutal attack on those groups. The impact of violence and displacement on communities, including but not limited to the Yazidis, has been devastating. Overwhelming evidence supports claims of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide that must be fully investigated and appropriately addressed by the Government and the international community. Under these circumstances, deprived of homes, loved ones and livelihoods, community leaders and members feel despair and loss of hope in a future in Iraq. Many have left Iraq, feeling targeted, marginalized and unprotected and having lost trust in the authorities’ capacity to protect their human rights. That hope and trust must be restored. 79. The challenges facing minorities did not begin with ISIL and will not end with its defeat alone. They go much deeper in Iraqi society, and solutions must therefore also be far reaching and confront long-standing issues of discrimination, exclusion and marginalization. There must be an intensification of efforts by the Government and real political and societal commitment to the preservation of all ethnic and religious communities and guarantees of their human rights and equality. To avoid a further exodus of minorities, such a commitment must also be delivered in practice through protection measures and legal, policy and institutional frameworks to ensure the human rights of all ethnic and religious communities, including their minority rights. 80. The primary responsibility for the protection of all its citizens lies with the Government of Iraq, which must do more and commit the necessary attention and resources. However, in the light of the economic crisis affecting Iraq and its commitment to combating ISIL, the donor community is also urged to continue and enhance its generous support to match the massive needs for humanitarian, stabilization and development assistance. All international partners should give greater consideration to the situations and needs of vulnerable ethnic and religious communities and, in full consultation with those communities, target assistance and recovery programmes specifically for them. These programmes must go beyond humanitarian aid to encompass projects to achieve sustainable solutions, development and community reconciliation, allowing minorities to live in safety and dignity. 81. The Special Rapporteur sought positive elements that offered hope for the future of minorities and social cohesion across communities. She heard about communities helping and supporting each other, and about an Iraqi society that had historically been able to recover even after atrocities had been committed. The forces of tolerance and understanding that have allowed diverse communities to live together for generations must now be cultivated once again as the bedrock of a future inclusive Iraqi society. Political and community leaders must lead efforts to achieve intercommunity reconciliation. The views of all, including women and youth, must be heard and everyone must participate in shaping the future. B. Recommendations 82. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (where applicable) should: 20