The Iraq Report: 10 years on, Yazidis are still haunted by the Sinjar massacre

Sinjar, a town in Iraq with a rich history, was once described by geographer Zakariya al-Qazwini as “little Damascus” due to its bathhouses with colourful mosaics and octagonal stone pools reminiscent of the Syrian city.

However, in recent years, the town once celebrated for its beauty has become synonymous with devastation.

Ten years ago in 2014, the Islamic State (IS) launched a brutal two-week campaign to drive the Yazidis from the community's ancient homeland in northern Iraq.

Labelling them as “infidels” and “devil worshippers,” IS executed men or forced them to convert to IS’s beliefs, while women and children faced severe violence, including enslavement, forced labour, torture, and rape.

Many who managed to escape fled to Mount Sinjar, a sacred site where Yazidis believe Noah’s Ark came to rest after the flood. Tragically, for up to 50,000 Yazidis, this sacred land became a dangerous refuge, where they faced starvation and hardship, trapped on the mountain in hot temperatures without food, water, or medical care.

Nearly 10,000 Yazidis were killed or captured within a matter of days, while more than 6,000 women and children are still captive, with nearly 2,800 still missing. Over 94 mass graves have since been found, of which only 61 have been exhumed. The Sinjar massacre is remembered each year on 3 August.

Healing the scars

In response to what the UN has labelled a genocide, both local and international organisations have played crucial roles in supporting survivors and those dealing with secondary trauma.

Important local organisations include the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF), Yazda, and the Sinjar Academy. Internationally, NL Helpt Yezidi's, based in the Netherlands, is also notable for its support, while Nadia’s Initiative was founded by Yazidi genocide survivor Nadia Murad in Washington.

Pari Ibrahim, the Executive Director of the FYF, spoke to The New Arab (TNA) about their efforts to help Yazidis cope following the tragedy that befell the community.

Ibrahim, who was living in Europe during the massacre and lost many family members, either killed or enslaved, commented, “Yazidis and their supporters have worked hard to rebuild their lives with international assistance. Efforts have included trauma treatment, especially for women and girls, and programs to help them acquire new skills and find employment”.

She highlighted the work of organisations like FYF, stating, “FYF has found that involving women and girls in education and job opportunities significantly improves their well-being. Additionally, survivors have benefited from community support, psychological counselling, sports, and activism”.

Wahhab Hassoo, a Yazidi genocide survivor now working for NL Helpt Yezidis, also shared his personal experiences. His family had fled 18 months before the massacre, but many of his relatives did not survive.

“My father lost three cousins, and my mother lost over ten family members. Many are still missing, either held captive or killed, their remains lying in one of the 89 mass graves that have been discovered,” he told TNA.

“The brutality and inhumanity we witnessed left deep scars, as many of my relatives and friends were either killed or taken captive,” he added, describing the immense fear and loss he experienced during the genocide.

Coping with the emotional aftermath has been a long and difficult process for him and others.

“Many of us rely on community support, psychological counselling, and activism to heal. At NL Helpt Yezidis, we support Yazidis in the Netherlands and work with the Dutch government to provide aid," he said.

"Engaging in sports has been crucial for my recovery; I believe that through physical activity, survivors like me can find healing from PTSD. Sharing our stories and seeking justice also play vital roles in our emotional recovery,” Hassoo added.

Key steps for Yazidi recovery and accountability

Meaningful justice is vital for the Yazidi community’s recovery following the genocide.

The Sinjar massacre, in particular, drew international attention, prompting efforts to hold IS members accountable.

Germany, for instance, has prosecuted eight IS members, including three for genocide, while the Netherlands and Sweden are preparing trials for these crimes later this year.

Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to support the Yazidis effectively.

A recent report by the FYF, Yazda, and the Sinjar Academy, entitled Ten Years After Genocide: The Yazidi Struggle to Recover and Overcome, highlights the need for stronger prosecution measures. Their findings were recently presented at the White House in Washington, D.C. 

The report points out that while Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden have set positive examples by prosecuting crimes against the Yazidi community, many other third-party countries, including the US, UK, and most European states, often focus solely on prosecuting IS members for terror-related offences.

As a result, the international crimes committed against the Yazidis are frequently overlooked. Notably, neither the US nor the UK has indicted any IS members specifically for crimes against the Yazidis.

The report recommends establishing an international or hybrid tribunal to prosecute IS crimes, using evidence collected by UNITAD and civil society organisations. This tribunal should also investigate individuals, organisations, and companies that funded or supported IS.

Additionally, the evidence gathered by UNITAD must be securely archived and preserved, with the international community supporting ongoing efforts by civil society organisations and working towards establishing a tribunal.

Prosecution is not only necessary for third-party countries but also for Iraq itself. The report advises the international community to urge Iraq’s Parliament to pass laws on international crimes and hold those who supported IS accountable.

Beyond prosecution, the report identifies several key areas needing attention to ensure the safety of the Yazidi community. A significant issue is the need for a new security plan that includes Yazidi participation. Sinjar should be established as a new governorate with an independent Yazidi mayor and the Government of Iraq should also allocate 1% of its annual budget to infrastructure and job creation in Sinjar and the Nineveh Plains, the report adds.

Furthermore, it recommends fully implementing the Yazidi Survivors’ Law, while providing financial aid, rehabilitation, memorials and increasing stipends for Yazidis returning from IDP camps and ensuring they live in safe conditions. At a political level, Yazidis require representation, while the government could introduce mandatory courses about Iraq’s diverse communities and the history of atrocities and pass new laws against hate speech.

Hassoo highlights the particular importance of memorialising the genocide. "Honouring the Yazidi memory involves acknowledging the genocide, supporting the survivors, and working towards justice," he told TNA.

"Establishing memorials and educational programs can also ensure that future generations remember and learn from these events."

Additionally, the report advises the government to stop harmful practices, such as closing schools in IDP camps, and adhere to UN standards for the return of displaced persons. The international community must continue supporting Yazidi-led organisations and provide ongoing funding for recovery and justice. Moreover, reconciliation efforts should focus on justice and not be imposed by outsiders.

Ibrahim, who proposed these recommendations on behalf of FYF, with Yazda and the Sinjar Academy, states, "These recommendations can help guide Iraq, foreign governments, and organisations in their efforts to help the community more effectively".

Hope for Sinjar's future

Even after a decade, the recovery of Sinjar remains a formidable challenge. Yet, there is a growing sense of hope for the community. 

"I hope the Sinjar region will be rebuilt so Yazidis can safely return to their homes. I dream of a future where they have access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities, enabling them to live peacefully and rebuild their lives," Hassoo said.

Ibrahim also expresses optimism for the region. "I hope that Sinjar will soon have the security, effective administration, jobs, and basic services it urgently needs. With the Government of Iraq's substantial annual budget of $153 billion, there is a real opportunity to make this hope a reality," she said.

"These positive steps could transform Sinjar from the shadows of its past into a place where Yazidis and all residents can thrive in safety and peace."

The Iraq Report is a regular feature at The New Arab.

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