03/08/2023

People of North and East Syria commemorates 9th anniversary of Yezidi genocide in Shigur (Şengal / Sinjar)

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — On the solemn occasion of the 9th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide committed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Shigur (Şingal/Sinjar), Iraq, on 3 August 2014, the people of North and East Syria, along with members of the institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), gathered to light candles in public squares in honor of the martyrs.

Yasmin Issa, a member of Kongreya Star, emphasized the unified participation of all ethnic components in commemorating the Yezidi martyrs in Shigur.

“On this solemn anniversary, we condemn the heinous crime committed by the Islamic State against the Yezidi people and national symbols in Shigur,” stated Sabah Shabo, a member of the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU).

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) released a statement expressing its concern that the international community has not fully addressed the heinous crimes that took place during the ISIS occupation of Shigur and called for greater recognition of the gravity of the genocide.

In an effort to empower the Yezidi community and prevent future atrocities, AANES called for increased focus on developing robust systems of self-protection, building effective community organization, and safeguarding their autonomous institutions.

AANES reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism under the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) given its continued threat to minority populations across the region. It emphasized its dedication to protecting the rights of citizens from all ethnic backgrounds and its determination to pursue the criminals responsible for the heinous crimes committed against the Yezidis.

Nine years ago, Yezidis in Shigur and its surroundings fell victim to the brutal attack of ISIS militants, who killed thousands, including women, children, and the elderly, burying many of them in mass graves. To this day, 83 mass graves have been discovered, as reported by the Yezidi Abductees Rescue Office.

More than 6,400 people were kidnapped. Subsequently, about 3,000 abductees liberated, while over 2,600 others remain missing, according to the Yezidi Abductees Rescue Office.