On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Yazidi genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State (IS), the Zagros Center for Human Rights joins the international community in honoring the victims and expressing our solidarity with the survivors. In August 2014, the brutal attacks against the Yazidi community not only caused tragic human losses but also marked a dark moment in the history of religious and ethnic violence.
The massacres in Sinjar in August 2014 were a devastating manifestation of extremism and barbarism. Thousands of Yazidis were subjected to systematic executions, sexual violence, and slavery. Adult men were executed en masse, while women and children were abducted and subjected to unimaginable suffering. Evidence from international investigations and survivor testimonies clearly demonstrate that these acts constitute genocide, as confirmed by the United Nations Commission of Inquiry.
Ten years after these horrific events, the situation remains concerning. Yazidi communities continue to face colossal challenges in terms of rehabilitation, justice, and returning to normalcy. The persistence of trauma, the lack of support for community reconstruction, and the slow judicial processes highlight the urgency for continued action.
Recommendations :
1. Recognition and Justice : We call on the international community to continue supporting investigations into the crimes perpetrated by IS and to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted for their crimes against humanity. Countries must collaborate to establish effective mechanisms to bring perpetrators to justice.
2. Support for Survivors : Efforts to support survivors must be strengthened. This includes access to psychological care, humanitarian aid, and opportunities for social and economic reintegration.
3. Official Recognition : The United Nations and governments must continue to officially recognize the Yazidi genocide and raise global awareness on the importance of genocide prevention.
4. Prevention of Future Violence : It is crucial to develop educational and awareness programs to combat religious extremism and promote tolerance and intercultural understanding.
On this day of commemoration, we renew our commitment to justice and dignity for the Yazidis and call for collective action to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
July 3, 2024
Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme (Zagros Human Rights Center)
