“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Yezidi community’s current situation, particularly the process of repatriating Yezidi IDPs from camps to their homes in Shingal (Sinjar) and the surrounding areas,” read the statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
“The role of international organizations in providing assistance and support to the Yezidis was also a topic of discussion, as well as the inauguration in Shingal on Wednesday of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Yezidi genocide,” it added.
Murad is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a survivor of ISIS atrocities.
A memorial commemorating the Yazidi people’s genocide at the hands of the ISIS was inaugurated in the community’s heartland of Shingal on Wednesday.
“It is a beautiful and moving monument, as strong and resilient as the survivors who designed it, and as enduring as the murdered Yazidis who inspired it,” said Murad in her remarks at the memorial’s inauguration, expressing hope that the tribute provides solace for her community.
On August 3, 2014, ISIS militants took over the Shingal district of northern Iraq, committing genocide against the Yazidi minority. Thousands fled their homes as the militants systematically killed men and older women, and enslaved younger women and children. More than 5,000 Yazidis were killed in the genocide.
President Barzani and Murad “agreed on the significance of peace and stability in the Yezidi areas, which is crucial for the safe return of Yezidi IDPs to their homeland. The challenges faced by the Yezidi community were also addressed during the meeting. Additionally, gratitude was expressed towards the countries that have extended their assistance to the Yezidis in various capacities,” stated the Kurdistan Region Presidency on Thursday.
A myriad of different armed forces with differing allegiances are currently present in Shingal. Said groups gained a foothold in Shingal following the ousting of ISIS.
Erbil and Baghdad in 2020 signed an agreement over the governance and security of Shingal in order to “normalize” and resolve a number of issues that have prevented the return of the area’s inhabitants who fled ISIS war.
Only 40 percent of Yazidis have returned to their homes, according to official figures provided by Kurdish officials. Insecurity, political tensions and lack of basic services are among the main obstacles before the return of IDPs to Shingal.
