10 Years Since the Genocide of the Yezidis

This tragic incident occurred in August 2014, when ISIS attacked Sinjar and committed massacres and crimes against humanity. This report sheds light on the issue of the Yezidis in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and internationally.

ISIS Attack on Sinjar

On August 3, 2014, ISIS took control of Sinjar, occupied villages, killed thousands of people, and kidnapped 6,417 Yazidis, mostly women and children. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced and took refuge in Mount Sinjar. The crimes included mass killings, kidnappings, abduction of women and children, forced conversion, and destruction of holy places.

Displacement

At the beginning of the crisis in August 2014, after the ISIS attack on Sinjar, hundreds of thousands of Yazidis fled to the Kurdistan Region, most of them on foot through Mount Sinjar, under extreme heat and without food and water. Dozens of people died on the way due to hunger, thirst, and fatigue.

Kurdistan Regional Government Response

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) quickly opened several large camps for the refugees, especially in Duhok and Erbil. The citizens of the region provided food, clothing, and other necessities to the IDPs. The large number of refugees put great pressure on the infrastructure of the region.

International Cooperation

International organizations such as UNHCR and UNICEF came to the region to help. Western countries provided financial assistance, but it was not enough.

Long-term Effects

Most of the Yazidi refugees stayed in the camps for a long time. The problem of unemployment and poverty among the IDPs was significant, which had a negative impact on their psychological and social situation. Many Yezidis remain in the Kurdistan Region and have not returned to Sinjar. The lack of security and infrastructure in Sinjar is the main reason for the IDPs to stay in the region.

International Reaction

After this incident, the United Nations recognized these acts as genocide. The international coalition against ISIS was formed, and humanitarian aid was provided to the refugees. The Yazidi community suffered great psychological and social damage, and most of the Yazidi areas were destroyed.

Ten Years After the Genocide: The Current Situation of the Yezidis and Sinjar

Some of the Yazidi IDPs have returned to Sinjar, but many are still living in IDP camps. The reconstruction process is slow due to a lack of resources and political instability. The region is still not completely calm; the presence of various armed groups is a threat, and disagreements between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) continue over the governance of the region.

Effects

Most of the Yazidis have not yet recovered from the psychological impact of the genocide. Efforts to provide mental health services and social support are ongoing, but they are unable to provide all the necessities.

International Recognition

Since 2014, the issue of recognizing the Yazidi case as a genocide has gone through several important stages. In 2016, the United Nations recognized ISIS's crimes against the Yazidis as genocide in a report. The European Parliament, the U.S. Congress, and several other countries officially recognized these acts as genocide. The United Nations Investigative Team (UNITAD) began collecting evidence in 2018 and has collected thousands of pieces of evidence and witness testimonies to support the accusation of genocide.

The Trial of the Criminals

In Germany, the first trial of an ISIS member for being involved in genocide took place in 2021, and he was sentenced to life. Several other countries have taken similar legal steps, but the number of trials is still limited.

The International Community

Despite formal recognition, efforts for international accountability remain limited. The International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have jurisdiction over Iraq, which is a major problem for international justice. Efforts to establish a special tribunal to investigate ISIS crimes continue.

The Sinjar Agreement: Contents and Challenges

The Sinjar Agreement was an agreement between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) signed on October 9, 2020, with the main objectives of:

- Normalization of the situation in Sinjar and repatriation of IDPs.

- Withdrawal of all armed groups from Sinjar.

- Establishment of a new security force in the region.

- Restoration of administrative authority to government employees.

- Facilitation of the return of the IDPs.

Reasons for Non-Implementation: Political Disagreement

- Some political parties in the region are opposed to the agreement.

- Lack of will and determination by the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Harman Mirza Beg, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Yazidi Affairs, said: "As representatives of the Yazidi community, we emphasize the importance of implementing the Sinjar Agreement, which despite its shortcomings, is an opportunity to restore stability and security to our region."

He added: "All parties must work seriously on the implementation of the agreement. This will not only be with words, but it requires real action. We call on the Iraqi government to cooperate more and put the interests of the people of Sinjar first. It is important to ask the people of the region for every step taken. Our fate cannot be decided outside our will. There must be a clear mechanism for how to expel the armed groups and establish a new security force of the people of the area."

Through the official website of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Harman Mirza Beg said: "We call on the international community to play a role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the agreement, so that our rights are protected. We as Yazidis are ready to cooperate in any effort to restore peace and tranquillity to our region, but any agreement must respect our legitimate rights and protect our identity and culture."

Liberation of Sinjar: A Successful Operation Under the Leadership of President Masoud Barzani

For more than a year, ISIS had controlled the area. President Barzani directly supervised the planning of an operation in coordination with the coalition, especially the U.S. Air Force, and on November 11, 2015, the liberation operation began. The Peshmerga forces were the main ground forces. The military strategy was to advance from several sides to encircle ISIS, and the coalition air force was to strike ISIS positions with the participation of Peshmerga special forces in the operation.

The Role of President Barzani

President Barzani was directly supervising the operation on the battlefield, deciding on military movements, coordinating with the coalition, and encouraging the Peshmerga forces and boosting their morale.

The Success of the Operation

Within two days, most of Sinjar was liberated. ISIS suffered heavy losses and retreated. The outcome of the operation was the liberation and control of many villages and strategic areas.

The International Response

There was international appreciation for the success of the operation and commendation of the role of President Barzani and the Peshmerga forces. The liberation of Sinjar was a restoration of hope for the Yazidis and a major defeat of ISIS, dealing a blow to their military prestige and opening the way for the return of the refugees.

The liberation of Sinjar under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani was an important success. This operation was not only militarily significant but also had humanitarian and symbolic significance for the Yazidis and all the victims of ISIS.

Liberation of Sinjar: A Successful Operation Under the Leadership of President Masoud Barzani

For more than a year, ISIS had controlled the area. President Barzani directly supervised the planning of an operation in coordination with the coalition, especially the U.S. Air Force, and on November 11, 2015, the liberation operation began. The Peshmerga forces were the main ground forces. The military strategy was to advance from several sides to encircle ISIS, and the coalition air force was to strike ISIS positions with the participation of Peshmerga special forces in the operation.

The Role of President Barzani

President Barzani was directly supervising the operation on the battlefield, deciding on military movements, coordinating with the coalition, and encouraging the Peshmerga forces and boosting their morale.

The Success of the Operation

Within two days, most of Sinjar was liberated. ISIS suffered heavy losses and retreated. The outcome of the operation was the liberation and control of many villages and strategic areas.

The International Response

There was international appreciation for the success of the operation and commendation of the role of President Barzani and the Peshmerga forces. The liberation of Sinjar was a restoration of hope for the Yazidis and a major defeat of ISIS, dealing a blow to their military prestige and opening the way for the return of the refugees.

The liberation of Sinjar under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani was an important success. This operation was not only militarily significant but also had humanitarian and symbolic significance for the Yazidis and all the victims of ISIS. Although the liberation of Sinjar was an important step, challenges such as reconstruction and repatriation of IDPs continue.

The Support of the President of the Region

At the same time, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, established a special office for the rescue of Yazidi abductees after the genocide of the Yazidis. This is a sign of the region's interest in the cause of the Yazidis and their abductees, as the establishment of a special office can improve cooperation between different parties to rescue the abductees.

More than 3,000 Yazidis have now been rescued through this office. The President of the Kurdistan Region assured the Yazidis that as long as one Yazidi remains in the hands of ISIS, their efforts will continue to rescue them and support the Yazidi situation.

Government Support and Assistance

The Kurdistan Regional Government is committed to supporting the survival of ISIS survivors. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced a number of important decisions to support ISIS survivors, including financial support, the return to education, and the opening of a psychiatric treatment centre.

1. Financial Support:

- More than 3,000 survivors of ISIS are being financially supported.

- This will help the survivors to resume their normal lives.

2. Return to School:

- The survivors were sent back to school.

- This provides opportunities for education and development for the victims.

- They will be eligible for financial assistance if they study in private and government institutions.

3. Opening of a Psychiatric Treatment Centre:

- There are plans to open a mental health centre for survivors.

- The centre helps victims overcome the psychological effects of torture and kidnapping.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said: "We are committed to fully supporting the survivors of Daesh and these steps are part of a broader plan to help them return to normal life and rebuild their future."

The Yazidis say: "These steps are a sign of the regional government's interest in the cause of the survivors."

Efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

These steps by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are important efforts to help the survivors of ISIS. The success of these projects can have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people and their families. It can also be an example of how to deal with victims of violence and war in the region.

Geography of Sinjar

Sinjar is located in northwestern Iraq, in Nineveh province near the Syrian border. Mount Sinjar is the main part of the region. The mountain is about 70 kilometers long and reaches an elevation of 1,463 meters, with plains surrounding the mountain.

Strategic Importance

Sinjar is located between Mosul and the Syrian border. The old trade route between Iraq and Syria passes through this area, and the majority of the population of the area is Yazidis. The city of Sinjar (the center of the district) is in the south of the mountain, and many small villages are scattered around the mountain and in the plains.

Karwan Baadri