Yezidi Mir calls for action, recognition on 10th anniversary of Sinjar genocide
"We want the Yezidi citizens to return to their homeland with the utmost confidence and with their heads held high, provided that the basic needs and services are provided for the community," he urged.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the Sinjar Genocide, Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg, the Mir of the Yezidis, delivered a powerful speech commemorating the tragic events and calling for continued support and recognition for the Yezidi community.
"We commemorate the Sinjar genocide and mass murder of Yezidis today, which killed 1,000 innocent citizens, women, children, youth, and the elderly that were massacred in the 21st century," Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg began, emphasizing the immense loss suffered by the Yezidi people.
"Throughout history, there have been 73 attempts at committing genocide against the Yezidis, and this means that history repeats itself and that the Yezidis ought to be recognized as victims of genocidal campaigns."
He highlighted the historical context of the tragedy, noting that "throughout history, there have been 73 attempts at committing genocide against the Yezidis, and this means that history repeats itself and that the Yezidis ought to be recognized as victims of genocidal campaigns."
The Mir recounted the harrowing events of August 3, 2014, when the Yezidi community faced unimaginable horrors. "No Yezidis remained in their homes; they were under siege in Mount Sinjar and thousands were displaced from the Kurdistan Region, with some taking refuge in other countries," he stated, stressing the lasting impact on the community.
"So far, 94 mass graves of Yezidi citizens have been discovered and dozens of religious shrines have been blown up."
Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg shared grim statistics, revealing that over 6,000 Yezidi citizens had been killed and thousands more kidnapped. "So far, 94 mass graves of Yezidi citizens have been discovered and dozens of religious shrines have been blown up," he said, lamenting the ongoing suffering and displacement of the Yezidis.
Despite the defeat of ISIS, the Mir underscored the unresolved issues, including the unknown fate of thousands of kidnapped Yezidi women and the unexcavated mass graves. "Thousands of Yezidis are still suffering in the heat and cold in camps, while refugees from other parts of Iraq have returned to their homes," he noted.
Expressing gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Mir praised their support during the crisis. "They opened their homes, mosques, churches, and schools to the Yezidis and gave us everything they could when the Yezidis even needed a word of encouragement," he said, commending the leadership of President Masoud Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani, as well as Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for their assistance.
The Mir called for the return of Yezidis to their homeland with dignity and security. "We want the Yezidi citizens to return to their homeland with the utmost confidence and with their heads held high, provided that the basic needs and services are provided for the community," he urged.
"Sinjar today needs to be stable and end the security conflicts so that citizens have confidence and security and return to their homeland."
Highlighting the role of the Iraqi government, he stressed the need for serious action to resolve the political and security issues in Sinjar. "Sinjar today needs to be stable and end the security conflicts so that citizens have confidence and security and return to their homeland," he emphasized, calling on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to provide a budget for Sinjar and ensure the region's development and stability.
As the Yezidi community marks this solemn anniversary, Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg's words resonate as a call to action for justice, recognition, and support for the survivors of the Sinjar Genocide.