Iraqi Foreign Minister Urges Full Implementation of Sinjar Agreement to Restore Stability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has reiterated the urgent need to implement the Sinjar Agreement signed between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), warning that any delay threatens the fragile stability of the region and obstructs the return of displaced families.

Speaking during a solemn ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide committed by ISIS in 2014, Minister Hussein stressed that the failure to execute the agreement continues to fuel instability in Sinjar.

In his address, attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Hussein described the massacre as “a painful memory that wounds the conscience of humanity,” calling it a “systematic attempt to erase the identity and existence of ancient peoples in the land of Mesopotamia—land of coexistence and tolerance.”

The minister recalled the suffering of thousands of innocent civilians who were killed, kidnapped, tortured, and forcibly displaced, with many families torn apart and entire communities shattered by “unspeakable brutality.”

He underscored the enduring importance of honoring the memory of the victims and the pain of the survivors and missing persons, asserting that “their blood and agony will never be forgotten—they will continue to guide us in our pursuit of justice and truth.”

Despite the horror of the events, Hussein emphasized that the occasion also symbolizes the triumph of will and resilience. “Iraqis of all components and backgrounds united,” he said, “alongside the army, police, Popular Mobilization Forces, Peshmerga, and Yazidi fighters, supported by the international coalition, to achieve a historic victory over terrorism.”

He noted that Iraq’s diplomatic efforts were equally crucial, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advocating relentlessly at international forums including the United Nations, the Security Council, and the Human Rights Council, to ensure accountability for ISIS crimes.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s ongoing commitment to securing international recognition of the Yazidi massacre as genocide, a crime against humanity, and a war crime. He also stressed the importance of pursuing the fate of kidnapped and missing persons, urging the international community to apply pressure for their release and assist in identifying their whereabouts.

“ISIS criminals must be prosecuted—locally and internationally—to ensure justice and prevent impunity,” he said. The ministry continues to work on documenting crimes and preserving evidence as part of Iraq’s transitional justice efforts.

Call for unity and inclusive nation-building

Hussein highlighted the broader implications of the genocide, saying it serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect the rights and dignity of all Iraqi communities and ensure their full participation in rebuilding the nation. “Iraq’s diversity is its strength,” he stated, “and the prosperity of all is a condition for the country’s stability and progress.”

He expressed gratitude to both the federal and Kurdistan Regional Governments for their commitment to supporting genocide survivors and commemorating this tragedy. He also extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Concluding his address, Minister Hussein emphasized that implementing the Sinjar Agreement is essential for peace and rehabilitation in the region. “Neglecting the agreement prolongs instability in Sinjar and hinders the return of displaced persons to their homes,” he warned, affirming that the state remains committed to securing justice and a dignified future for all survivors and their families.