On the 10th Anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide
By the Kurdish Center for Studies
Today marks a somber milestone: the tenth anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide. It remains a dark chapter in human history, that unfolded on August 3, 2014, when ISIS launched a merciless assault on the peaceful Yezidi Kurds of Şengal, Southern Kurdistan (Sinjar, Iraq).
On this solemn occasion, we at the Kurdish Center for Studies come together to honor the memory of the victims, recognize the unwavering strength of the survivors, and renew our commitment to justice and prevention of future atrocities.
A Day of Unimaginable Horror
Ten years ago, the world witnessed the beginning of a systematic campaign of violence against the Yezidi people. ISIS militants targeted the Yezidi community in Şengal with horrifying brutality, aiming to annihilate their entire religion. Thousands of men were executed, while women and children were subjected to unspeakable acts of violence, including sexual slavery, forced conversion, and other forms of inhuman treatment. As darkness enveloped their lives, the genocide displaced hundreds of thousands of Yezidis, forcing them to flee their sacred ancestral homeland in search of sanctuary. In one bright spot in the days that followed August 3rd, the heroism of Kurdish guerrillas opened up a corridor from Mount Sinjar, saving many Yezidi lives.
Resilience & Recovery
Despite the unfathomable suffering and loss, the Yezidi community has shown remarkable resilience and an indomitable spirit over the past decade. Survivors have bravely shared their stories, ensuring that the world does not forget the atrocities committed against them. Through their unwavering courage, they have forged a path for greater awareness and understanding of the plight endured by the Yezidi community. Numerous organizations, both local and international, have been instrumental in providing support, advocating for justice, and assisting in the recovery process.
Seeking Justice
The relentless pursuit of justice for the Yezidi genocide remains a critical and profound undertaking. International bodies, including the United Nations, have recognized the atrocities committed by ISIS as a genocide. Legal actions have been initiated to hold perpetrators accountable, with some ISIS members facing trials for their crimes. However, the journey towards comprehensive justice is far from complete. The international community must continue to support initiatives aimed at bringing all perpetrators to justice (including state actors who assisted), ensuring that such heinous crimes are not met with impunity. Moreover, there could still be hundreds of kidnapped Yezidi girls who are still alive but secretly being held in ISIS camps under black burqas, where they remain unidentifiable.
Global Recognition and Support
The 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide beckons the world to delve into the depths of our collective conscience and reflect on the need for sustained global efforts to prevent such atrocities in the future. The genocide serves as a stark testament of the devastating consequences of hatred, intolerance, and fervent fanaticism. As we honor the victims, we must also recognize the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and respect for all individuals.
Despite it being ten years on, a haunting reality persists, as over 150,000 survivors continue to live in displaced persons camps throughout northern Iraq, even as the Iraqi government seeks to close down the camps and force the Yezidi survivors home so as to normalize governance in the region. The Turkish military also continues to bomb and attack Şengal, in an attempt to drive Yezidis from their lands and exert geopolitical control over it.
As a result, let us summon governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals from every corner of the globe to stand in solidarity with the Yezidi community. Support can be extended through a myriad of ways, including monetary contributions to aid organizations, advocacy for policies that protect vulnerable communities, and fostering educational initiatives that cultivate understanding, empathy, and tolerance.
A Ray of Hope
While the scars of the genocide run deep, the Yezidi community’s unconquerable resilience and determination offer a beacon of hope. Over the past decade, Yezidis have not only sought justice but have also embarked on a reflective journey to safeguard their cultural legacy, fortify their community, and foster a sense of unity. The younger generation, in particular, stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Yezidi people, determined to build a future unshackled from fear and persecution.
Honoring the Victims
As we commemorate this somber anniversary, let us honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the Yezidi Genocide. Their stories remind us of the importance of vigilance in the face of evil and the necessity of standing up against injustice. Memorials and ceremonies around the world today serve as powerful symbols of the resilience of the Yezidi people and the commitment of the global community to remember and respond.
A series of commemorative events and global observances are being held to honor the victims and highlight the resilience of the Yezidi community. In Şengal, survivors and their families are gathering for a poignant ceremony where prayers are whispered, wreaths are tenderly placed, and silence envelops the air. This event symbolizes not merely the lamentation of lost loved ones but also the unyielding spirit of the Yezidi people.
In major cities around the world, including Washington D.C., London, and Berlin, vigils and memorial services are being organized by Yezidi diaspora communities and human rights organizations. These gatherings aim to raise awareness about the genocide and advocate for continued international support. Art exhibitions, film screenings, and panel discussions serve as vessels of knowledge to educate the public about the atrocities and the ongoing struggles faced by survivors.
Forever Etched in Our Souls
The 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide is not just a moment of reflection but also an urgent call to action. It is a reminder that the fight against genocide, intolerance, and extremism is ongoing and requires collective effort. By standing together in solidarity with the Yezidi community, we honor their suffering, support their recovery, and pledge to build a world where such atrocities are a thing of the past.
Educational institutions are playing a crucial role in ensuring that the lessons of the Yezidi Genocide are not forgotten. Schools and universities are incorporating the history of the genocide into their curricula, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the events and their broader implications. Special lectures and webinars featuring Yezidi scholars and activists are being organized to facilitate in-depth discussions about the genocide, its causes, and the steps needed to prevent future atrocities.
Media outlets worldwide are dedicating coverage to the anniversary, highlighting the personal stories of survivors, the current state of Şengal, and the efforts being made to bring ISIS perpetrators to justice. Documentaries and meticulous investigative reports are shedding light on the resilience of the Yezidi community and the ongoing challenges they face in their quest for justice and healing.
An Ode to Perseverance
As we honor this significant milestone, let us not forget that the journey toward justice and healing for the Yezidi community is far from over. Continued international support is essential in ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of Yezidis are upheld. The 10th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the need for collective action to prevent future genocides, champion the cause of human rights, and foster a world where such atrocities are never repeated.
The latest Yezidi Genocide will forever be a tragic chapter in the annals of history, etched in our collective memory. The relentless symphony of brutality they suffered when ISIS and their collaborators sought to obliterate their ancient tapestry of culture and faith shocked the world. But it is not enough to be horrified; we must act and bind ourselves with the Yezidi community to create a better tomorrow. Yezidis consider this latest genocide the 73rd one in their history, and we must ensure there is never a 74th.
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