The Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) appealed to the Iraqi government to end repressive policies against the people of Shengal and not to become complicit in the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) plans.
In the Sinunê (Silonê/Sinune) subdistrict, TAJÊ issued a statement that was read by the organization’s spokesperson, Rîham Hico. The statement recalled the 74th ferman (religious decree of annihilation) against the Yazidis on August 3, 2014, noting that thousands were massacred and tens of thousands were forced into displacement. It said, “This ferman was not only a physical genocide, but also an attempt to uproot the Yazidi community from its sacred lands.”
TAJÊ drew attention to the fact that, even after 11 years, the people are still struggling to survive in camps in Southern Kurdistan (Başur). The statement also underlined that the latest decisions by the Iraqi government serve to implement the October 9 Agreement. It continued: “The Ministry of Migration and Displacement’s decision to close the camps, the concentration of military forces in Shengal, and the steps taken by the Iraqi government in line with the demands of Masrour Barzani are all part of a new plan against the people of Shengal. These decisions will lead to a change in the region’s demography.”
TAJÊ stressed that the Iraqi government should rebuild destroyed homes, develop job projects, and facilitate the return of displaced people.
The movement also condemned the government for releasing imprisoned ISIS members through amnesty and declared: “The government is releasing ISIS members who are responsible for the blood of thousands of Yazidis, while condemning our people to a dark future in the camps. If Yazidis do not return to their own lands, who will protect them against future attacks?”
TAJÊ further called on displaced Yazidis to return to their lands and resist such plans. At the same time, it appealed to the international community to fulfill its responsibilities arising from the recognition of the 2014 genocide.