Nadia Murad's Statement on COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 is an opportunity for the global community to prioritize the health and well-being of every human being. Governments are acting to control the pandemic and adopt measures to protect their citizens. These may be trying times, but they are also a chance for mankind to shift priorities. COVID-19 demonstrates we are all equal – the virus knows no geographic, cultural, economic, or religious boundaries. We can unite and embrace this opportunity to care for every human being equally.

While COVID-19 demonstrates we are all the same, we must recognize that the threat it poses to certain populations is vastly different – vulnerable populations are at an increased risk. Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) live in camps where social distancing is not an option, where proper sanitation measures are not available, and where leaving the camps to retreat to the safety of one’s own home is simply impossible.

Communities like the Yazidis living in IDP camps are especially vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. They reside in cramped, unsanitary conditions – an environment that is not conducive to practicing social distancing and sanitary measures. In some camps, thousands are sharing common latrines, showers, and water taps. The lack of adequate healthcare in the camps is an additional concern.

Before the pandemic, Iraq faced political, economic, and security challenges. These challenges continue. I know Iraq is taking measures to protect its citizens and I wish all Iraqis the best during this crisis. All Iraqis need assistance to fight this pandemic. We need the international community to stand with the people of Iraq and KRI during these uncertain times and help provide the much-needed resources to fight this pandemic.

I have written to the Director-General of the WHO to coordinate with authorities in Iraq and KRI to make sure specific measures are put into place to protect Yazidis and other displaced communities throughout the country. Yazidis need the support of the Iraqi government, KRG, and the international community during these difficult times. We failed the Yazidis in 2014. Let’s not let history repeat itself and fail this vulnerable population again. Yazidis suffered genocide and have been displaced for almost six years; we cannot allow COVID-19 to continue the work of ISIS in destroying the Yazidi community.

During this time, I urge everyone to be mindful of others, to remember every human being is equal, and to take the necessary precautions, if you are able, to be safe. Let us unite together as one and defeat the threat of this virus.