Event Recap: Yazidi Community Marks 10th Anniversary of Genocide in Sinjar
On August 3rd, Yazidis gathered in their homeland of Sinjar to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide. Held at the Yazidi Genocide Memorial in Solagh, the event was attended by thousands of Yazidis representing the diverse mosaic of the community. Nadia Murad was present at the ceremony, sitting before the “Grave of Mothers,” where Nadia’s own mother was killed by ISIS militants. The Yazidis were joined by representatives from diplomatic missions and UN agencies, whose presence in Sinjar demonstrated an important show of solidarity.
Nadia’s Initiative, in collaboration with over 50 local NGOs, community leaders, survivors, and families of the victims, organized and hosted the ceremony, which served as a solemn tribute to the victims of the genocide and a testament to the unity and resilience of survivors. The event was supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Sinjar was selected as the location because of the deep significance it holds, both as the ancestral homeland of the Yazidis and the place where the genocide took place.
Some key highlights from the commemoration include:
Statement from Yazidi civil society: In a unified voice, Yazidi civil society delivered a powerful statement to their domestic and international audiences, highlighting that a decade on, the genocide is ongoing. They called on the Iraqi government and the international community to take urgent steps to stabilize the region, rescue the Yazidis who remain missing, hold ISIS perpetrators to account, and rebuild Sinjar.
Statement from Nadia Murad: Shortly before the start of the ceremony, Nadia Murad released a statement on the uniquely challenging and prolonged toll conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) takes on women and girls, highlighting ISIS’ cynical long-term plan to destroy the Yazidi community from within. She emphasized the resilience of survivors in the face of these challenges, but argued that their resilience must be met with resolve from the international community to help them recover.
Messages from survivors: Survivors recounted the personal toll of the genocide and emphasized what is needed to deliver long-overdue justice.
Moment of silence: Those in attendance observed a moment of silence for the victims of the genocide, sexual violence, and other mass atrocities carried out by ISIS.
Watch highlights from the ceremony, including the moment of silence, here.
Photo exhibition highlighting the Yazidis who remain missing: A photo exhibition was installed at the memorial site highlighting many of the more than 2,000 Yazidi women and children who remain missing and in ISIS captivity.
Candle lighting: On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide (August 2nd), Yazidis gathered in Sinjar and lit candles for the souls of lost loved ones. For Yazidis, it was an expression of a wish for peace, and one that resonates especially this year.
Nadia’s Initiative was pleased that the event was held at the Yazidi Genocide Memorial, a place envisioned by Nadia Murad to serve as a focal point for the Yazidi community during moments like these. We hope the memorial will continue to serve future generations, both as a reminder of past atrocities and a source of strength in the ongoing fight to rebuild and achieve justice.
The commemoration of the 10th anniversary in Sinjar was a moment of profound significance that is sure to live on in the collective memory of Yazidis. Beyond that, our sincere hope is that it will be received by the Iraqi government and the international community as a call to action for continued support and justice for Yazidis.
