Deputy PM Stresses Collective Responsibility to Defend Yazidis' Rights

Deputy PM's Media

Yazidis' Monument.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, marked the eleventh anniversary of the Yazidi genocide with a message of solidarity, emphasising that it is both a moral and national duty for all components of the Kurdistani people to stand with the Yazidis and serve as unwavering defenders of their rights.

The Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organisation seized vast parts of northern and western Iraq in June 2014. Two months later, on 3 August 2014, the organisation launched a genocide against the Yazidi community in the Shingal (Sinjar) district, which is heart of the Yazidi land. They kidnapped 6,417 Yazidi women and children. Many people were subjected to sexual slavery and forced labour. In the space of a few weeks, more than 5,000 people were killed.

In his statement, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani said:

"On the eleventh anniversary of the massacre of our Yazidi brothers and sisters, we honour the memory of all victims of this horrific and unforgettable crime and salute their proud families.

Throughout both recent and distant history, the Yazidi community has endured repeated acts of terror and genocide—the most recent attempt by ISIS terrorists, carried out before the eyes of the world, sought to erase and annihilate them.

To ensure such atrocities are never repeated, it is our shared responsibility as the people of Kurdistan to support the Yazidis with all our strength and defend their rights with steadfast determination."



PUKMEDIA