Yazidi Genocide: The Unseen Struggles and Resilience of a Community

The Yazidi genocide stands as one of the most brutal atrocities of the 21st century. This systematic campaign of violence against the Yazidi people, a religious minority predominantly residing in northern Iraq, has had a devastating impact on their community. The Yazidi religion, with its unique blend of ancient beliefs, has made its followers targets of persecution throughout history. However, the events that unfolded in 2014 brought unprecedented suffering and displacement to this vulnerable group.

The aftermath of the genocide continues to shape the lives of Yazidi survivors today. Thousands of Yazidi women and children were subjected to unimaginable horrors, while many others were forced to flee their ancestral homes near Mount Sinjar. This humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention to the plight of the Yazidi people, who primarily speak Kurmanji Kurdish. The article will explore the historical context of Yazidi persecution, delve into the events of 2014, examine the ongoing challenges faced by displaced Yazidis, and discuss efforts to seek justice and ensure the security of this resilient community.

Historical Context of Yazidi Persecution

The Yazidi people, an ancient religious minority predominantly residing in northern Iraq, have faced a long history of persecution and violence. Their unique beliefs and practices have often made them targets of oppression by various ruling powers throughout the centuries.

Ottoman Empire attacks

The Yazidis first encountered the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century, initially living as semi-independent entities . However, this relative autonomy was short-lived. In 1566, Abu al-S’ud al-‘Amadi al-Kurdi, the Mufti of the Ottoman Empire and Sheik al-Islam, issued fatwas that legitimized the killing of Yazidis, enslavement of Yazidi women, and the sale of Yazidi slaves in markets . This religious sanction set the stage for centuries of persecution.

In 1890 or 1892, the Ottoman general Omar Wahbi Pasha gave the Yazidis an ultimatum to convert to Islam. When they refused, the areas of Sinjar and Shaykhan were occupied, resulting in a massacre of the residents . The Hamidiye cavalry, mobilized by Ottoman rulers, attacked many Yazidi villages, destroying temples and killing inhabitants. The central shrine of the Yazidis, Lalish, was converted into a Quran school for twelve years until the Yazidis recaptured it .

During the Armenian genocide, Yazidis were not spared from the violence. According to Aziz Tamoyan, as many as 300,000 Yazidis were killed alongside Armenians . Ironically, despite the Yazidis providing refuge to 20,000 Christians in the Sinjar Mountains during this period, they later faced discrimination in Armenia when fleeing from Kurdish and Turkish persecution .

Ba’athist Arabization campaigns

The 20th century brought new challenges for the Yazidi community. Under the Ba’athist regime in Iraq, particularly from the 1970s onwards, the government implemented forced displacement policies affecting hundreds of thousands of ethnic minorities, including Yazidis . These Arabization campaigns aimed to alter the demographic composition of northern Iraq.

In Sinjar, late 1974 saw the confiscation of property and the destruction of mostly Yazidi villages. The residents were forcibly relocated to 11 new towns with Arab names, constructed 30-40 km north or south of Sinjar or in other parts of Iraq. This process resulted in the destruction of 37 Yazidi villages and the Arabization of five neighbourhoods in Sinjar by 1975 .

Similarly, in Sheikhan in 1975, 147 out of 182 villages suffered forced displacement, with 64 villages handed over to Arab settlers. Seven new towns were built to house the displaced Yazidi and Kurdish residents of Arabized villages .

The Al-Anfal Campaign during the Iran-Iraq War marked a particularly dark period. Saddam Hussein’s regime destroyed 3,000 to 4,000 villages and forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of Kurds, Assyrians, and Turkmen. An estimated 100,000 people were killed or died during this campaign, which is often equated to ethnic cleansing and genocide .

Post-2003 sectarian violence

The fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 did not bring an end to the Yazidis’ struggles. Instead, it ushered in a new era of sectarian violence. The power vacuum left by the toppled government led to an escalation of fundamentalist attacks on minority communities, including Yazidis .

Yazidi villages, shrines, and holidays were repeatedly targeted in the post-2003 period . The lack of effective state protection left the community vulnerable to various armed groups and militias. As one report stated, “protection from State authorities would, in almost all cases, not be available” .

This ongoing persecution and violence have had a profound impact on the Yazidi community. Many have been forced to flee their ancestral lands, seeking refuge in other parts of Iraq or abroad. The demographic landscape of northern Iraq has been significantly altered, fragmenting the ethnic and religious nations both inside and outside the country .

The 2014 Islamic State Genocide

The 2014 Islamic State (IS) genocide against the Yazidi people marked one of the most horrific atrocities of the 21st century. This systematic campaign of violence targeted the Yazidi community, an ethno-religious minority predominantly residing in northern Iraq.

Attack on Sinjar

In the early hours of August 3, 2014, IS launched a coordinated attack across the Sinjar region of Northern Iraq, the homeland of the Yazidi people. The assault came from multiple directions, including Mosul and Tal Afar in Iraq, and Al-Shaddadi and the Tel Hamis region in Syria, effectively besieging the population from all sides . The Kurdish Peshmerga forces, mandated to protect the area, abandoned their bases and checkpoints, leaving the local population largely defenseless against IS’s advance .

As IS fighters seized control of towns and villages surrounding Mount Sinjar, they faced little resistance. They quickly established checkpoints on main roads and strategic junctions, sending mobile patrols to search for fleeing Yazidi families. Within 72 hours, almost all villages in the region had been emptied, with the exception of Kocho village, which held out until August 15, 2014 .

Mass killings and abductions

The days following the initial attack saw widespread violence against the Yazidi population. IS fighters systematically separated men and boys from women and children, leading to mass executions and abductions. On August 3, 2014, IS killed men from the al-Qahtaniya area and attacked ten fleeing Yazidi families. In the village of Qiniyeh, between 70 and 90 Yazidi men were shot .

The violence escalated rapidly. On August 4, IS fighters attacked Jabal Sinjar, killing 30 Yazidi men, while 60 more were killed in the village of Hardan . Yazidi community leaders reported that at least 200 Yazidis had been killed in Sinjar and 60-70 near Ramadi Jabal . Between August 3 and 6, more than 50 Yazidis were killed near Dhola village, 100 in Khana Sor village, and 250-300 in the Hardan area .

One of the most horrific incidents occurred on August 15 in the Yazidi village of Kocho. After failing to resolve the situation peacefully, IS fighters gathered approximately 1,200 Yazidis in the village school. The men and adolescent boys were separated from the women and children. In groups, the males were taken out, forced to kneel or crouch on the ground, and then shot. Survivors later described to Amnesty International how they were shoved into vehicles, driven short distances, and executed .

Sexual enslavement of women and girls

The fate of Yazidi women and girls was equally horrific. IS fighters systematically abducted and enslaved thousands of women and girls, some as young as nine years old . These captives were forcibly converted, transferred between various holding sites in Iraq and Syria, and used as sabaya (sex slaves) or forced wives by IS fighters .

IS established an organized structure for its sexual slave trade, even setting up makeshift markets where men could choose their sex slaves. According to Zainab Bangura, the United Nations special representative on sexual violence in conflict, IS sold abducted teenagers at slave markets “for as little as a pack of cigarettes” .

The group used a distorted interpretation of Islam to justify these atrocities, considering the sexual abuse of Yazidi women as permitted because they were “infidels” . Survivors reported that IS fighters would pray before and after raping them, viewing the act as a means of “drawing closer to God” .

By the end of August 2014, the United Nations estimated that IS had massacred 5,000 Yazidi men and kidnapped about 7,000 Yazidi women and girls . These horrific acts of violence and enslavement have left deep scars on the Yazidi community, with many survivors still struggling to cope with the trauma and seeking justice for the atrocities committed against them.

Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The Yazidi genocide of 2014 led to a massive displacement crisis, forcing hundreds of thousands of Yazidis to flee their homes in fear and panic. As the Islamic State (IS) launched its attack in August 2014, an estimated 250,000 Yazidis sought refuge on Mount Sinjar . This sudden exodus created a humanitarian emergency, with Yazidi civilians trapped on the mountain for days, enduring extreme temperatures and lacking access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care .

Refugee camps in Kurdistan

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has become a primary destination for displaced Yazidis. According to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center, the region hosts over 650,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) . Among these, more than 280,000 Yazidis reside in camps within the KRI . The 23 camps across the region currently accommodate about 157,000 people, many of whom are from Sinjar .

Inadequate aid and services

The conditions in these camps are often precarious, with inadequate humanitarian support. Yazidis living in IDP camps in the KRI face numerous challenges:

1. Deteriorating shelter: Tents housing Yazidi families have not been replaced for nearly three years, leaving many in terrible condition and ill-equipped for harsh weather .
2. Limited electricity: Power is available for only a few hours per day, causing difficulties during extreme temperatures .
3. Poor air quality: The burning of garbage near camps and proximity to oil wells contribute to poor air quality .
4. Inadequate sanitation: The sewage system requires structural improvements, and access to clean drinking water is not guaranteed .
5. Insufficient healthcare: Health centers in the camps lack adequate medicines, medical supplies, and specialized staff .

The situation is further complicated by the planned closure of displaced people’s camps in the KRI, set for July 30. This decision risks exacerbating an already dire situation, as Sinjar remains unsafe and lacks adequate social services to ensure the economic, social, and cultural rights of thousands of displaced people .

Psychological trauma

The displacement and ongoing humanitarian crisis have had a severe impact on the mental health of Yazidi survivors. Studies show that one in ten people forced to flee their homeland due to persecution suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while one in twenty experiences depression . These rates are estimated to be even higher among survivors of rape, military action, captivity, and genocide .

PTSD is the most widely reported mental health disorder amongst Yazidis, with an estimated prevalence between 70% and 90% . Some experts suggest that Yazidis are suffering from complex PTSD due to their prolonged exposure to multiple traumatic experiences . The ongoing displacement and inadequate living conditions contribute to this mental health crisis:

1. Inadequate water and housing
2. Extreme temperatures
3. Lack of access to basic resources
4. Loss of legal documentation

These factors lead to ongoing stress and exacerbate existing mental health issues . The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges, with emerging evidence showing increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and domestic violence .

For those considering returning to Sinjar, the situation remains precarious. The continual threat of violence lingers, with ISIS attacks documented throughout 2019 and 2020 . Additionally, the presence of improvised explosive devices among destroyed infrastructure poses significant risks .

As the Yazidi community continues to grapple with the aftermath of genocide and displacement, addressing the humanitarian crisis and providing adequate support for both physical and mental health remains a critical challenge.

Justice and Accountability

The pursuit of justice and accountability for the Yazidi genocide has been a complex and challenging process. While international recognition of the atrocities has grown, prosecuting perpetrators and addressing systemic issues in Iraq’s justice system remain significant hurdles.

International recognition of genocide

In May 2021, the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) confirmed that there was “clear and convincing evidence that genocide was committed by ISIL against the Yazidi as a religious group” . This recognition was a crucial step in acknowledging the scale and severity of the crimes committed against the Yazidi community.

Germany has taken a leading role in recognizing the Yazidi genocide. The country’s formal acknowledgment has set an example for other nations, with calls for global recognition to ensure that these atrocities are not forgotten or minimized . However, despite this progress, many countries worldwide still fail to formally recognize the Yazidi genocide, hindering efforts to hold perpetrators accountable on a global scale.

Prosecution of perpetrators

Efforts to prosecute those responsible for the Yazidi genocide have seen some progress, particularly in European countries. Germany has emerged as a pioneer in this regard, becoming the first country to try ISIS members specifically for genocide . German courts have also convicted several ISIS members of crimes against humanity and war crimes for their brutality against Yazidis.

However, the scope of prosecutions remains limited. No ISIS defendants have been convicted of international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Iraq itself, despite the apparent genocide committed against the Yazidis . This gap in accountability highlights the challenges in bringing perpetrators to justice within the region most affected by these crimes.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has faced limitations in its ability to address the Yazidi genocide. As neither Syria nor Iraq are parties to the Rome Statute, the ICC lacks territorial jurisdiction over crimes committed on their soil . While the court may exercise personal jurisdiction over alleged perpetrators who are nationals of a State Party, this approach has proven insufficient to address the full scale of the atrocities committed.

Challenges in Iraq’s justice system

Iraq’s legal system faces significant obstacles in prosecuting ISIS members and providing justice for Yazidi survivors. Criminal trials of defendants charged under Iraq’s overbroad terrorism law are often rushed and do not involve victim participation . Convictions are primarily based on confessions, including those apparently extracted through torture, raising serious concerns about due process and human rights violations.

In a positive development, Iraq’s parliament passed the Law on Yazidi Female Survivors in March 2021, recognizing crimes committed by ISIS against Yazidi, Turkman, Christian, and Shabak minorities as genocide and crimes against humanity . This law provides for compensation for survivors and measures for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. However, implementation of the law has been slow, with little progress made by November 2021.

Systemic issues within Iraq’s justice system continue to hinder effective prosecution and accountability. A report by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) found credible allegations of torture being used to extract confessions, indicating a systemic problem in the treatment of detainees . Furthermore, authorities systematically violate the due process rights of suspects, including guarantees under Iraqi law for timely access to judges and legal representation.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including international support, capacity building within Iraq’s legal system, and a commitment to upholding human rights and due process. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Yazidi genocide, ensuring justice and accountability remains a critical but complex task.

Security Concerns and Armed Groups

Distrust in government forces

The Yazidi community faces ongoing security challenges in Sinjar, resulting in widespread displacement and a lack of basic services. Many Yazidis express deep mistrust towards both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This sentiment stems from the perception that these authorities have failed to protect them adequately . The absence of effective security measures has forced many Yazidis to leave Sinjar, as they struggle with access to education, healthcare, and essential utilities like electricity and clean water .

The situation is further complicated by a long-standing dispute between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government over the administration of Sinjar. This conflict has hindered reconstruction efforts and made it more difficult for displaced Yazidis to return home . The lack of political will to invest in Sinjar’s security and infrastructure is seen as a major obstacle to improving conditions on the ground .

Rise of Yazidi militias

In response to the security vacuum, several Yazidi militias have emerged to protect their community. The Sinjar Alliance, a joint command of Yazidi militias, includes the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBŞ) and the Êzîdxan Women’s Units (YJÊ) . These groups, supported by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), have played a crucial role in defending Yazidi territories against external threats.

The YBŞ, comprised of both men and women, has grown significantly since its formation, with an estimated 2,000 members as of 2015 . The YJÊ, composed of Yazidi women, many of whom are survivors of ISIS enslavement, has been particularly instrumental in defending the Yazidi people from attacks .

Competing external influences

The presence of various armed groups in Sinjar has led to complex power dynamics and competing external influences. The PKK’s involvement in supporting Yazidi militias has created tension with the KRG, which seeks full control over the Sinjar region . This conflict has resulted in some Yazidi politicians denouncing the alliance with PKK-linked groups, fearing it might threaten Yazidi autonomy .

The situation in Sinjar reached a critical point when Iraq’s military launched an offensive against the YBS, prompting over 3,000 people, mostly Yazidis, to flee towards the Kurdish-run north . This operation, aimed at reasserting state authority, highlights the ongoing struggle between various armed factions and government forces in the region.

The presence of these militia groups has had far-reaching consequences for Iraq’s national security and international standing. It has turned the country into a battleground for settling scores with foreign powers and eroded Iraq’s diverse mix of identities in favour of a Shiite-centric one . This situation has led to Iraq being perceived as a nation lacking security coherence and posing investment risks, resulting in financial and banking sanctions from the US and capital withdrawal in some cases .

As tensions continue to escalate, with frequent attacks by resistance forces aligned with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) against US forces and facilities in Iraq and Syria, the country faces significant challenges in maintaining stability and pursuing its national interests . Addressing these security concerns and managing the complex web of armed groups remains a critical task for Iraq’s future stability and the well-being of the Yazidi community.

 Overview of The Terrorist Factory Book

The Terrorist Factory: ISIS, the Yazidi Genocide, and Exporting Terror” by Father Patrick Desbois, Costel Nastasie, and their team at Yahad–In Unum provides a riveting, behind-the-scenes look at the Yazidi genocide and the terrorist threat it poses for the West. This investigation was first shown on 60 Minutes.

The authors conducted over 100 interviews with Yazidi survivors—girls, women, boys, and men—recorded during 11 investigative trips to refugee camps in Iraqi Kurdistan. Their testimony reveals the horrifying reality of life under ISIS:

This taut and disturbing account by ISIS sheds light on a utilitarian genocide that still poses an implicit threat to other countries, including those in the West.

FAQs

1. Is the Yazidi genocide ongoing?
Yes, the Yazidi genocide continues to affect the community. Although 130,000 Yazidis have returned to Sinjar, approximately 2,800 individuals, predominantly women and children, remain missing or in captivity. To date, only two Da’esh militants have been brought to justice for crimes of genocide against the Yazidis.

The Yazidi Faith: Why This Religious Minority Became a Target?
The Yazidi faith, an ancient monotheistic religion primarily adhered to by ethnic Kurds in northern Iraq, Syria, and adjacent regions, has been subjected to targeted persecution due to a confluence of complex factors:

The nadir of recent Yazidi persecution occurred in 2014 with the ISIS assault on Sinjar, resulting in mass casualties and the enslavement of numerous women and children. This atrocity catalyzed international awareness of the Yazidis’ plight, prompting humanitarian interventions and protective measures for this vulnerable demographic.

This multifaceted analysis elucidates the intricate web of historical, religious, and sociopolitical factors that have rendered the Yazidi faith a target for persecution. It underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect religious minorities and promote interfaith understanding in regions plagued by sectarian conflict.

3. What is the origin of the Yazidis?
According to Yazidi mythology, they have a unique origin, being descended directly from Adam but not from Eve. This belief underscores their practice of remaining distinct and segregated from surrounding communities, with strict prohibitions against marrying outside the Yazidi community.

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The Yazidi genocide has had a profound impact on this ancient community, leaving deep scars and ongoing challenges. The systematic violence, mass displacement, and sexual enslavement have resulted in a humanitarian crisis that continues to shape the lives of survivors. What’s more, the pursuit of justice and accountability faces significant hurdles, with limited prosecutions and systemic issues in Iraq’s legal system hindering progress.

To wrap up, the Yazidi community’s resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors is remarkable, yet their struggle is far from over. The ongoing security concerns, competing influences of armed groups, and the slow pace of reconstruction in Sinjar pose substantial obstacles to their return and recovery. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it’s crucial to support efforts to provide justice, security, and a path to healing for the Yazidi people.