Several survivors of persecution based on religion or belief addressed the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom on July 16-17, 2019. The event, hosted by Secretary of State Pompeo, provided a forum for victims to share their stories. Among them was a survivor of Daesh genocide and a tireless advocate for the Yazidi community, Nadia Murad.
Nadia Murad, who lost nine members of her family to the Daesh massacres, warned that we should not be fooled by stories that Daesh is largely defeated. The suffering of the communities targeted by Daesh is far from over. As Nadia explained, the consequences of the Daesh atrocities will be felt for generations: “My community and other religious minorities continue to feel the lasting effects of genocide. History and research have taught us time and time again that genocide is an ongoing process. Nearly 350,000 Yazidis are still stranded in IDP camps in Kurdistan. Over 3,000 Yazidi women and children remain missing.”
We know of the crimes committed by Daesh fighters towards communities in Syria and Iraq all too well. However, knowing what happened does not necessarily spark action to address the issues. Nadia emphasized that “while there is some support and empathy, there are no real efforts focused on the most important objective that would end the genocide and allow the Yazidis to heal – enabling my community to return to our ancestral homeland of Shingal and rebuild our lives in a safe, healthy environment.”
Nadia came prepared with a five-point action plan to address the challenges faced by her community in Iraq.
First, Nadia stressed the need to resolve the conflict over local governance in Shingal. “Disputes between Baghdad and Erbil over Shingal must end. Without a solution between them, Yazidis will continue to be the victims of their conflict.” Nadia repeated this concern when she met with President Trump.
Second, Nadia emphasized the need to focus on ensuring “long-term regional stability by investing in reconstruction and sustainable development initiatives.” She points out that funds are required to rebuild housing and basic infrastructure in the region. “Without international funding targeted to development in Shingal, stability cannot be achieved.”
Third, Nadia pointed out that Baghdad and Erbil must better integrate religious minorities into their Security Forces. “These efforts will enable religious minorities to have a hand in their own security and also prevent future genocidal efforts.” This is critical when considering how Yazidis were left alone unprotected before Daesh attacked.
Fourth, and it could not be stressed enough, justice must be served. Nadia stated that “the Yazidi community deserves justice for the atrocities they have endured … [the] genocide against Yazidis and other minorities.” Indeed, the lack of justice sends the wrong message that one can get away with genocide. If we have learned anything from similar atrocities it is that we cannot allow the atmosphere of impunity to flourish.
Fifth, by failing to assist the communities targeted for annihilation, we are complicit in the ultimate goal of Daesh; the eradication of these minorities from the region.
As Nadia said: “It is imperative that we urge the world to protect religious minorities globally. Next month will mark the 5th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide. If the international community does not act swiftly, my community will disappear from their homeland.” Humanity will be eroded for allowing the eradication of minorities in the Middle East to take place.
Now that the requirements of communities in Iraq are clear, it is crucial to provide them with the assistance they request to ensure that they do not face the very fate that Daesh intended for them. The question is whether the international community will stand with the survivors of yet another genocide that we failed to prevent.
