A prominent Yezidi community leader has called on India to advocate for the protection of the Yezidi people, a religious minority in Iraq that has faced genocide and persecution by ISIS.
Khdr Hajoyan, president of the Yezidi National Union in Armenia, expressed hope that India could use its influence at the United Nations, particularly as a member of the Security Council, to highlight the plight of the Yezidis and ensure their survival.
“India is a great country. It can present the reality about us and protect us from the disappearance of one of the ancient communities, the Yezidis,” Hajoyan said during his visit to Hyderabad for the Lokmanthan 2024 event.
The Yezidis, who were targeted by ISIS with mass killings and sexual slavery, remain a vulnerable community. While many continue to live in temporary shelters in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, others have sought refuge in Armenia and other countries, including Germany, Russia, the US, and Canada.
Hajoyan recalled a Yezidi delegation’s visit to Delhi in 2015 seeking India’s support and acknowledged humanitarian aid sent by Indian organizations, including efforts by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar. However, he emphasized the need for greater state-level engagement to help secure international recognition and protection for the Yezidis.
Currently, Yezidi women and girls remain in captivity, with reports of ongoing rescues, including a recent case in Gaza. The community is also seeking recognition as an ethnic group, which has been granted in some countries such as Russia, Armenia, and Georgia. Despite being persecuted and labeled as “devil worshippers” by some groups, Yezidis continue to practice their ancient faith, centered around the worship of the Peacock Angel.
