DSRSG/RC/HC Speech at the 10th Commemoration of the Yazidi Genocide

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to commemorate and honor the memory of the victims of the Yazidi genocide. 

We stand here in solidarity with the Yazidi families and survivors, recognizing their unimaginable loss and unwavering resilience. 

Each life lost is a profound tragedy caused by heinous acts of ISIL terror, and it is our duty to ensure their memories endure through our actions.

The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to supporting Yazidi survivors with continuous protection and recovery services. 

We strongly advocate for justice and accountability, ensuring that perpetrators of these monstrous crimes are brought to justice. 

Trials are not just about delivering justice; they are crucial to preserving the integrity of communities and avoiding collective blame.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The safe, voluntary, dignified, and inclusive return of over 36,847 households  displaced Yazidis in camps in KRI, in addition to informal sites in both KRI and Ninawa  remains a priority. 

This of course depends on conditions such as stability, security, provisions of services and robust reconstruction efforts for their return in Sinjar and beyond are in place. 

For the past decade, the UN has been a close partner of the Federal Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and local communities in Sinjar and areas of displacement to support the safe and dignified sustainable return of the displaced population through various programmes to bring back life and hope in Sinjar. 

Allow me also to share with you an overview of some of those initiatives, including those jointly implemented with the Iraqi counterparts:

• Livelihoods: Since 2018, UN Agencies aided over 110,000 returnees to Sinjar, providing income generation tools and livelihood support.
• Access to Shelter: Over the last four years, UN-Habitat has reconstructed and rehabilitated over 3,830 shelters in Sinjar, in addition to 1,000 low-cost shelters in several villages, catering to the most vulnerable returnees. 
• Meanwhile, they registered and processed more than 14,500 land ownership claims for the Yazidis in the district, leading to the issuance of over 14,500 land occupancy certificates.

While we strive for a durable solutions for Yazidi IDPs, we must not  waver in our efforts to account for the 2600 missing Yazidi individuals.

Meanwhile, we stand together with the Iraqi authorities in their efforts in the timely provision of individual reparations and the coordination of other transitional justice measures to address the horrors of ISIL’s genocide and crimes against humanity, as outlined in the Yazidi Survivors Law.

Additionally, central to our efforts is the principle of reparations: Over 1,830 survivors have already received support under the Yazidi Survivors’ Law, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing the harm inflicted and aiding in rebuilding shattered lives. 

Reparations and transitional justice are not only important as the official recognition of suffering of the Yazidi community, but also for the collective healing of the country.

This is in addition to support covering: access to Health and Medical Care, water and sanitation, education, infrastructure, and protection services.  

The Yazidi community's resilience is nothing short of inspirational. 

Their stories of courage and strength amidst adversity must be shared to foster greater understanding and solidarity. 

By supporting their recovery, reconstruction, and healing, we uphold their dignity and contribute to global justice.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, as we reflect on the Yazidi genocide, we renew our pledge to preserve Yazidi culture and heritage. 

Their rich traditions and history must be safeguarded for future generations. Let us also remember that the Yazidi genocide stands as a stark reminder of the need for global vigilance against atrocities of this magnitude. 

Through awareness and international solidarity, we can strive towards a world where such horrors are never repeated.

In conclusion, let us stand together, honoring the memory of the Yazidi victims, supporting their families and survivors, and advocating for justice, recovery, and lasting peace. 

Every voice counts in this journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Thank you.