Politics

Dublin event sheds light on Yezidi atrocities and ongoing justice efforts

Among the leading voices was Dindar Zebari, Coordinator of International Advocacy for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), who highlighted the KRG's ongoing work to secure justice for the Yezidi people.

Dindar Zebari, Coordinator of International Advocacy for the KRG (second from right), during the event in Dublin, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)
Dindar Zebari, Coordinator of International Advocacy for the KRG (second from right), during the event in Dublin, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Yezidis Dublin  Dindar Zebari

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Republic of Ireland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday hosted a key event in Dublin focused on the atrocities committed against the Yezidis. The event brought together prominent international figures, including representatives from Iraq, to discuss justice efforts for the victims.

Among the leading voices was Dindar Zebari, Coordinator of International Advocacy for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), who highlighted the KRG's ongoing work to secure justice for the Yezidi people. Zebari spoke about the implementation of the Yezidi Survivors Law No. 8 of 2021 and the push for a specialized court for international crimes. He also stressed the importance of mental health initiatives, citing the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psycho-traumatology in Duhok and rehabilitation programs for survivors in Germany.

A key focus of the discussion was the role of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh (UNITAD) in gathering evidence and prosecuting ISIS crimes. Zebari noted that recent data transfers from UNITAD to the KRG are critical for advancing justice for Yezidi victims. However, legal hurdles remain, particularly with the draft "Special Criminal Court Law on ISIS Crimes." The KRG remains steadfast in addressing these challenges through the High Ministerial Committee for the Crimes of ISIS Terrorists.

Since the beginning of the crisis, 3,579 Yezidis have been rescued, though 2,596 are still missing. The event also addressed the challenges faced by children born to ISIS-affiliated parents and the need to preserve Yezidi cultural heritage. Calls were made for greater international collaboration, including the establishment of a joint archiving center and the full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement of 2020.

The event underscored the ongoing need for international support and commitment to the Yezidi cause, stressing the importance of justice, healing, and the restoration of Yazidis.