Backed by Kurdistan, Yazidis Speak to the World
Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani launched the first International Conference on Yezidi Heritage in Duhok, drawing global scholars and reaffirming strong political support for Yazidi rights and cultural preservation.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a groundbreaking moment for the Yazidi community, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani oversaw the opening of the first-ever International Scientific Conference on Yazidi Identity and Heritage on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Duhok. Organized by the Lalish Center for Enlightenment and Social Affairs in partnership with the University of Duhok, the conference marks a historic step in preserving and advancing the global understanding of Yazidi history, religion, culture, and geography.
With the participation of scholars from 11 countries and tens of research papers prepared by academics from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and abroad, the two-day event has drawn international attention. According to Saeed Jardo, head of the Lalish Center, the gathering is a vital platform for examining and promoting Yazidi heritage through academic inquiry.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s longstanding commitment to the Yazidi cause was again highlighted, as he reaffirmed during recent Yazidi New Year celebrations his dedication to securing the rights and safe return of displaced Yazidis. Under his leadership, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has provided monthly stipends to over 3,150 rescued Yazidi women and continues efforts to normalize conditions in Sinjar, the Yazidi heartland.
The conference featured key interventions by prominent Yazidi and Kurdish leaders. Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg, the Mir of the Yazidi Kurds, delivered a poignant speech emphasizing the critical need for scientific documentation of Yazidi history and called for greater Yazidi representation in the KRG’s next cabinet. "Since its establishment, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, have continuously supported the Lalish Cultural and Social Center," Mir Hazim said, acknowledging their unwavering support.
The Minister of Interior, Rebar Ahmed, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Barzani, underscored Yazidism’s deep roots in Kurdish civilization and reiterated the KRG’s commitment to the Sinjar Agreement. He stressed that sustainable stability in Sinjar hinges on removing illegal armed groups and restoring legitimate governance. "Liberating Sinjar alone is not enough; revitalization, reconstruction, and the dignified return of Yazidis to their homeland are crucial," he stated.
Political empowerment of Yazidis was a central theme at the conference. Vala Farid, a member of the Kurdistan Parliament, emphasized that Yazidi participation in governance has become “fundamental” under President Masoud Barzani’s leadership. She detailed past legislative efforts, including the 2019 parliamentary resolution recognizing the 2014 genocide and the preparation of a bill to establish a specialized court for prosecuting ISIS leaders.
Adding a sharper critique, Vian Dakhil, a veteran Yazidi MP and KDP spokesperson in the Iraqi Parliament, delivered an emotional address criticizing Baghdad’s negligence. "In the Iraqi Parliament, Yazidis are not given any attention—our issue is considered unimportant," she said. Dakhil lamented the lack of progress since the 2014 genocide, pointing out that tens of thousands of Yazidis still languish in displacement camps. She praised President Masoud Barzani for his pivotal role in securing Yazidi recognition in Iraq’s 2005 constitution but condemned successive Iraqi governments for failing to implement the Sinjar Agreement and for neglecting Yazidi recovery.
The opening day of the conference sent a resounding message: the Yazidi community, backed by the Kurdistan Region’s leadership and international academic voices, is determined to safeguard its heritage, demand justice, and reclaim its rightful place in the region’s political and cultural fabric.
As the conference continues into its second day, hopes are high that the discussions, research, and commitments made in Duhok will translate into concrete steps toward historical preservation, political empowerment, and sustainable peace for one of the Middle East’s most resilient communities.
