Nadia’s Initiative Statement on Recognition of the Yazidi Genocide by Governments of Belgium and the Netherlands

Nadia’s Initiative commends the parliaments of Belgium and the Netherlands for joining more than fifteen legislative bodies and international organizations that have officially recognized the Yazidi Genocide. After Nadia Murad testified before the Belgium Parliament and called on the nation’s leaders to take action against genocide and sexual violence, we are gratified to see resounding votes in favor of justice and human rights.

Acknowledgment of the crimes endured by the Yazidi community is important for healing; so too is tangible support for survivors’ recovery and legal accountability for ISIS perpetrators. Both countries have an important role to play in achieving justice, considering that Belgian and Dutch nationals joined ISIS’ ranks and were party to the crimes of genocide and sexual violence. That is why it is significant that Belgium’s law codified their responsibility to prosecute ISIS members and the Netherlands has pledged to consider survivors’ wishes during court proceedings.

European nations can also build momentum to establish international tribunals, either through the International Criminal Court or a court established by treaty. Crimes against humanity threaten universal human rights. Thus, multilateral action must be taken to prevent the repetition of violence.

Equally important, statutes in both resolutions call on their respective governments to support the Yazidi community in Sinjar, Iraq. Empowering Yazidis with the resources to return home and rebuild their lives will help the community recover from the ongoing consequences of conflict and build a more peaceful future.

With the seventh anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide fast approaching, recognition, tangible support, and legal accountability are the best ways to honor the community, commemorate those who were lost, and stand in solidarity with survivors. Recognition is an essential element of recovery for affected communities and sends a strong message to terrorist groups that they will not be granted impunity for genocide or sexual violence. We hope the Belgian and Dutch resolutions are the first of many steps to deliver justice and support to the Yazidi people.