Statement by the Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights on the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide

Erbil, 3 August 2024 – Today marks 10 years since the brutal, indiscriminate attacks by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) on Sinjar in northwestern Iraq, marking the beginning of a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi people. Jiyan Foundation stands united with the Yazidi community and other victims of ISIL’s atrocities, honoring the memory of those murdered, tortured, kidnapped, and subjected to unendurable sexual violence. We remain steadfast in our support for families who continue to search for their missing loved ones.

“Each year, as we commemorate the Yazidi Genocide, we are reminded of the critical importance of repairing, to the extent possible, the harm inflicted upon individual survivors, their families, and entire communities,” said Dr. Bojan Gavrilovic, Head of Program for Rights and Justice at the Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights. “Though we must acknowledge that Iraq embarked on this important work, first and foremost by enacting the Yazidi Survivors Law, much more remains to be done for this law to realize its full potential, especially in the areas of rehabilitation, criminal justice, and rescuing those still missing.”

As we observe this sombre anniversary, we must remember the power of solidarity, fostering unity across ethnic, religious, and generational divides. Overcoming the legacy of genocide demands not mere words, but resolute action. Together with our Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR) partners, we have engaged with survivors and grassroots organisations to articulate ten core demands that reflect the priorities of those directly impacted.