EU Demands Justice, Sinjar Agreement Implementation on Genocide Anniversary
On the Yazidi genocide anniversary, the EU calls on Baghdad and Erbil to implement the Sinjar Agreement to address obstacles to return. It also reiterates the urgent need for justice and accountability for all victims of Da’esh crimes.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On the eleventh anniversary of the Da’esh genocide against the Yazidi people, the European Union has issued a strong and unequivocal call for justice for all victims and renewed its urgent plea for the full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, citing ongoing obstacles, security concerns, and a lack of basic services that continue to prevent the community from returning home.
In a formal statement released by its delegation in Iraq on Sunday, the European Union commemorated the tragedy, delivering a stark reminder of the atrocities committed and the long road to recovery that still lies ahead.
"Eleven years ago, Da’esh terrorists committed a massacre among the Yazidi population, with thousands killed, and 7000 women and children kidnapped, abused, and forced into sexual slavery," the EU statement began. It poignantly noted the protracted nature of the suffering, adding that "some young women were only recently reunited with their families."
While affirming its firm support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the EU’s message also pointed to the persistent difficulties facing the Yazidi community, which it described as an "integral part" of Iraq's ethnic and religious diversity.
The statement acknowledged that despite efforts by the Government of Iraq, "the community continues to face obstacles preventing them from returning to their homes, particularly in Sinjar." These challenges, according to the EU, include ongoing "security concerns and limited access to basic social services."
As a direct response to these unresolved issues, the European Union directed a specific and renewed appeal to both Baghdad and Erbil. "The European Union therefore reiterates its call on the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to proceed with the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement," the statement declared.
The EU's message emphasized that moving forward with the agreement is the key to resolving the current stalemate, as it "would improve living conditions in Sinjar and allow Internally Displaced People (IDP) from the Yazidi community to return."
Beyond the political and logistical challenges, the EU underscored the profound moral and legal imperatives that remain. The anniversary, the statement continued, "is also a strong reminder of the importance of accountability for crimes committed by Da’esh against all victims of their terror."
The message affirmed that "victims and survivors deserve justice, including the Yazidi community." In its concluding remarks, the EU welcomed "all actions, by Iraqi authorities and international efforts, to support this accountability," signaling its continued partnership in the quest to hold the perpetrators of the genocide responsible for their crimes.
