Message from President Barzani on the 9th Anniversary of the Sinjar Genocide:

Nine years have passed since the tragedy ofSinjar, yet the wounds of Sinjar remain unhealed, and the suffering and displacement of our Yazidi brothers and sisters persist. The agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi government to normalize the situation in Sinjar and facilitate the return of the refugees is undoubtedly the most viable solution to end the misery and anguish faced by the people of Sinjar. However, it is questionanleb why the Iraqi government has been unable to implement the agreement and how long it will allow forces and parties to hinder its execution.

On this solemn occasion, the Kurdish people earnestly call upon the international community and other countries to officially recognize the Yazidi genocide perpetrated by ISIS, similar to the recognition bestowed by Germany and Britain. Additionally, we seek official acknowledgment of the chemical attacks, Anfal, and all other heinous crimes committed against the Kurdish people.

As we commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Sinjar tragedy, we pay tribute to the souls of the martyrs and victims of this heinous crime. We also express our profound appreciation for the courage and heroism displayed by the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, who inscribed their names in history, bravely shed blood to liberate Mount Sinjar and Sinjar, and exacted justice upon ISIS terrorists.

Masoud Barzani

August 3, 2023