The justice for Yazidi survivors took center stage as President Nechirvan Barzani opened the International Academic Conference in Erbil. The event focused on the 2014 Yazidi Genocide, bringing together global researchers and experts to document crimes committed by ISIS.
Barzani described the conference as a crucial step in preserving the truth for future generations. He emphasized the importance of transforming Yazidi suffering into knowledge, advocacy, and calls for recognition. He also recalled the atrocities of August 3, 2014, when ISIS sought to annihilate an indigenous community through mass killings, enslavement, and indoctrination of children.
Moreover, he condemned the destruction of Yazidi temples and sacred sites, calling it an attempt at deliberate erasure. He stated that every survivor, including children who lost families, represents a living testimony to this tragedy.
Barzani also warned against the misuse of Yazidi areas by unlawful groups or regional powers. He pledged full cooperation with the Iraqi government to ensure these lands do not become zones of instability. Furthermore, he reaffirmed his commitment to securing the freedom of every abducted Yazidi and supporting Sinjar’s recognition as a province.
During his speech, Barzani highlighted that international acknowledgment of the genocide remains a priority. He stressed that the voices of survivors must be amplified until the world recognizes their suffering. In addition, he pointed out that reconciliation cannot be achieved without accountability and justice.
The president also called on communities across Kurdistan and Iraq to protect diversity and coexistence. He stated that pluralism is a source of strength and wealth, not a threat. By embracing diversity, he said, society can heal wounds and build resilience.
The conference concluded with a shared understanding of the urgent need for continued action. Academics, experts, and leaders agreed that documenting these crimes is critical for history and justice. Ultimately, the justice for Yazidi survivors requires both local commitment and global solidarity.
Through these pledges, Barzani reaffirmed his determination to transform words into results. The justice for Yazidi survivors stands as a guiding principle for ongoing efforts in Kurdistan and Iraq.
