Today marks the 6th anniversary of the Islamic State’s Sinjar Massacre of Yezidis. Despite the groups defeat 3 years ago, the community is still suffering from the effects of the #YazidiGenocide // Thread:

During IS’s assault on the Sinjar & Sheikhan districts, ~5,500 Yezidis were killed and an estimated 10,800-12,000 women & children were abducted, including around 7,000 that were forced into sexual slavery. Currently, over 3,000 Yezidis are still in captivity or are missing.

Destruction of Sinjar:

Following IS’s invasion, as many as 400,000 Yezidis from the Sinjar and Sheikhan districts were displaced, and the overwhelmingly majority of them remain in Internaly Displaced People (IDP) camps in Dohuk or have been left no choice but to relocate outside of Iraq.

Today, thousands of Yezidis are attempting to return, but there are obstacles in doing so, especially with Sinjar. Due to land disputes between the KRG & Iraqi gov., the Sehela Checkpoint, the quickest & safest route from Dohuk Governorate to Sinjar District, is closed.

As a result, Yezidis have no other choice but to remain in IDP camps or use the alternative route, where they are forced to cross through checkpoints controlled by either the KRG Peshmerga, Iraqi Army or PMF Brigades that often hold them up for hours and/or deny them entry.

Although there is a solution to the problem that Yezidi organizations have been calling for (the reopening of the Sehela route), their demands have gone ignored. Photo: @laylakhoudeda

For those that have returned to Sheikhan & Sinjar, there are even greater difficulties. Due to unpopular PKK presence and PKK-aligned Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) operating, Turkey has taken action against the two by carrying out airstrikes on Sinjar.

In turn, Yezidis who have returned are required to evacuate or risk being targeted by bombings. Due to this and claims of harassment, assault & extortion, the Yezidi House recently called for the Iraqi Central Gov. to remove YBS from Sinjar. Photo: @TomtheBasedCat

Similarly in Sheikhan, there are several towns & villages with Badr-aligned brigades operating in them. In both districts, there have been common minor attacks carried out by ‘unknown perpetrators’ who have thrown grenades in neighborhoods and desecrated structures.

While the violence continues, thousands of Yezidis, especially women who were once forced into sexual slavery, struggle with psychological trauma that isn’t being treated due to the lack of government assistance and adequate therapy centers in the region.

In a recent report by Amnesty International, it is estimated that 1,992 children, who were abducted and systematically subject to terror, are suffering from physical disabilities (lost limbs & brain damage) and mental illnesses (mostly PTSD, anxiety, aggression & depression.)

Despite the world’s recognition of the Yezidi Genocide, the government of Iraq and the KRG have failed at adequately doing, by failing to provide needed aid, failing to provide justice for the victims, etc. that UN Genocide Conventions would require them to do so.

Lastly, the Iraqi public needs to understand that the Yezidis were betrayed by many of their Sunni Arab neighbors, the KRG/Peshmerga & the Iraqi Gov., so none of us should expect them to trust the groups involved, especially when there haven’t been major reconciliation efforts.