Nechirvan Barzani Marks 12th Anniversary of Yazidi Genocide
At a Glance
- August 3 marks 12 years since the Shingal genocide.
- President commemorates Yazidi genocide anniversary.
- Calls for Shingal Agreement to be implemented.
- Urges removal of illegal armed groups.
- Reaffirms commitment to rescuing missing Yazidis.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani marked the 12th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, paying tribute to the victims and calling on the Iraqi federal government to restore security and stability in Shingal (Sinjar) and implement the Shingal Agreement.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Barzani said the Yazidi genocide remains "an open wound in the heart and conscience of the people of Kurdistan."
- He called on Baghdad to implement the Shingal Agreement and facilitate the withdrawal of illegal armed groups.
- He pledged that efforts to rescue missing Yazidis would continue until the fate of every abducted person is known.
- He thanked countries that have recognized the ISIS crimes against the Yazidis as genocide.
Tribute to the Victims
In a statement marking the 12th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, Nechirvan Barzani expressed "profound sorrow and grief" as he commemorated those killed during the ISIS attack on Shingal in August 2014.
He paid tribute to the victims, saying their memory would continue to be honored with "the deepest reverence."
Barzani said the genocide, including the abduction of women and girls and the destruction of homes and religious sites, remains "an open wound" for the people of Kurdistan.
He said that, 12 years later, Yazidis continue to suffer from the effects of political disputes and the presence of unlawful armed groups.
Barzani urged the Iraqi federal government to restore security and stability in Shingal, implement the Shingal Agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government, work toward making Shingal a province, and ensure the withdrawal of illegal armed groups to allow displaced residents to return safely.
Barzani said his office would continue working to rescue abducted Yazidis and determine the fate of those still missing.
He also reaffirmed support for international efforts to secure broader recognition of ISIS crimes against the Yazidis as genocide.
The president expressed appreciation to the people of Duhok and the Badinan region for sheltering displaced Yazidis during the ISIS offensive.
He also thanked countries that have officially recognized the genocide and supported the Yazidi community.
Barzani also paid tribute to the Peshmerga forces who fought ISIS under the leadership of Masoud Barzani.
He honored those who lost their lives during the campaign to liberate Shingal and defend the Kurdistan Region.
FYI
ISIS seized Shingal on August 3, 2014, killing thousands of Yazidis and abducting more than 6,400 women and children. The atrocities have since been recognized as genocide by the United Nations and several countries. While many survivors have been rescued, thousands remain missing, and reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Shingal continue to face political and security challenges.
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