Remarks by the SRSG for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the 9th Annual Commemoration of Victims of the Genocide Against Yazidis and other Iraqi Components

Prime Minister,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

When remembering the untold suffering of the Yazidi community in the district of Sinjar, words come up short.

Too many lives were lost; too many families were ripped apart; and too many traumas were inflicted on people who did not deserve them.

Today, we are listening, and we will hear directly from brave voices and listen to their tragic accounts of what happened. Importantly, we will also listen to their perspectives on what must happen next.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have not forgotten – nor will we forget. To prevent such atrocities from reoccurring, undying memory is a collective duty.

But as I have said many times: this memory must not be static. The most powerful form of remembrance is the one that compels action.

In August 2019, I publicly shared my shock after one of my early visits to Sinjar. Five years after the horrific violence, which culminated in heinous crimes against the Yazidis, and many others, the need for action was still so clearly visible and so painfully palpable.

In other words: while the people of Sinjar urgently needed to rebuild their lives, they were facing immense obstacles. Obstacles due to discord on stable security structures and a unified administration.

In October 2020, so almost three years ago, agreement was reached between Baghdad and Erbil. At last. The Sinjar Agreement, which focused on governance and security arrangements, as well as the much-needed reconstruction of the district, was a first but important step in the right direction.

And, the UN was hopeful. Hopeful that the Agreement would be the start of a new chapter for Sinjar. One in which the interests of the Sinjari people would come first. One in which all actors, no matter their background or affiliation, would stand up and not only help normalize the situation but also work towards swift and decisive implementation of the agreement.

Now, let me spare you the details of what happened next. But those who are familiar with my most recent briefing to the Security Council, last May, will not have missed our disappointment. Disappointment about the fact that little to no progress had been made - with the Sinjari people paying the price.

Where do things stand today?

I mean, we all know that, to date, too many Sinjaris have not been able to return home. And those who have managed to do so, find themselves too often without adequate housing or the services they so critically need. Poverty is widespread, physical and mental health needs are vast, and women survivors in particular face a confluence of hurdles.

Having said this, there are some positive developments to report. 

Since September 2022, over 600 survivors have started to receive their monthly compensation under the Yazidi Survivors Law.

And, the Prime Minister knows how relieved we were when he decided to move ahead with the land and property decree.

The approval of the federal budget has unlocked resources.

And the Provincial Council elections on 18 December will hopefully generate important momentum with regards to the longer-term governance of Sinjar.

Now, talking about the governance of Sinjar, I sincerely hope the outlook of elections will not stop the process of appointing a temporary mayor for Sinjar. Such appointment is critical if we talk about stepping up public services and reconstruction activities.

Ladies and gentlemen, we just listened to Prime Minister Sudani, and we know how committed he is and that there is no easy path, but I sincerely hope that recent efforts will be harnessed, and scaled up. And, please, allow me to highlight some priorities in that regard:

First, the implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law. Quite simply, it must be accelerated. And this can only happen if the Directorate for Survivors Affairs has sufficient capacity for the caseload ahead. Equally important are efforts to dismantle barriers that prevent survivors from demonstrating their eligibility.

Secondly, I already mentioned it: the Sinjar Agreement. As positive as recent repeated declarations of commitment have been, we must see concrete steps – and at a faster pace. Be it the appointment of a mayor, the establishment of a local security force or the delivery of services and the scale up of reconstruction.

Thirdly, and this is a message I have heard from all survivors I have met in past years: justice and accountability remain key.  While collective stigmatization should be avoided, it goes without saying: yes, indeed, the individuals responsible must be brought to justice. And the United Nations, including through the work of UNITAD, continues to support Iraqi-led efforts to enact relevant legislation and pursue justice. Let me also say that every effort should be made to determine the fate of Yazidis who remain missing, and to bring them home to their families.

And, finally, allow me to reiterate that people must be placed before politics or partisan interests, particularly when talking about those who have suffered some of the worst atrocities in recent human history. Only in this way can the needs of survivors be fully met.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we navigate this crucial juncture, I can only hope that all leaders, in this room or somewhere else, regardless of their background or affiliation, recognize the magnitude of the responsibility resting on their shoulders.

It is now time, high time, to contribute to constructive dynamics on the ground. For everyone. And, within the context of Iraq’s state structure. And by identifying what Sinjaris have in common rather than emphasizing their differences.

Let us therefore reaffirm our collective commitment to turn the page and work towards a future that the people of Sinjar can believe in.

Thank you.