The Shengal Jineology Academy published an analysis regarding threats against Shengal and the concerns of the Yazidi community about the possible repetition of the 3 August 2014 genocide, following the attacks by HTS, ISIS, and the invading Turkish state against Rojava and the direct targeting of Shengal. The analysis noted that neither Shengal nor the Yazidi community living there is the same as in 2014 and that they will defend themselves against any attacks. It also stated that “it is of vital importance for the public to take action” in response to current threats and concerns.
The full text is as follows:
“Shengal and the Yazidi community are not the Yazidi community of 2014. Over the past 12 years, many developments and changes have taken place in this region. The 74th Ferman, alongside great suffering, also created a strong spirit and will of resistance. Despite all difficulties, the Yazidi community has been resisting for 12 years in terms of self-defense, autonomous governance, and many other areas. The general consensus emerging in the community is: ‘Yazidis are no longer the Yazidis of the past; they will defend themselves.’ This is an attitude toward emerging situations.
Protecting the Yazidi community
The same stance exists among Yazidi women. In a new war, as in the past, simply leaving their land or relying on an external power will not be enough. The attitude to protecting the future through self-defense is increasing day by day. However, this reality, resistance, and stance do not eliminate the threat of massacres or a new war.
Despite years of struggle, the Yazidi community has not been officially recognized in the Iraqi constitution. The self-defense, autonomous governance, and economic mechanisms established by the Yazidi community with their own resources are not officially recognized. This situation does not guarantee that new genocides will be prevented if the essential steps are taken and the existence, institutions, and defense mechanisms of the Yazidi people are officially recognized under Iraqi law.
Psychology of genocide has returned
Due to these circumstances and the recent war, the psychology of genocide has reemerged in Shengal. Despite their determination to resist and defend themselves, the fear that the same massacres could be repeated is very high. During this process, many women who voiced their opinions shared the same reality: ‘When the SDF-YPG and YPJ were at the border, we slept peacefully at night, but after the war, we cannot sleep until morning due to concerns’ or ‘They will release ISIS militants sent to Iraq, and they will attack us again.’ Women do not trust either the state or international forces. Despite repeatedly experiencing and resisting the same situation throughout history, they have endured major massacres. The security and defense forces established after the 74th Ferman, YBŞ-YJŞ and Asayişa Êzidxan, are seen as the main power for protecting the region. However, today there is significant pressure to dismantle and neutralize them. There is a plan to eliminate local forces in Shengal and leave the region’s security to external powers; but as history clearly shows, this method provides no solution except new fermans.
The status of Shengal must be recognized
During this process, it is vital for the public to take action to prevent the repetition of fermans. The Iraqi government, regional states, and international powers must recognize Shengal’s status and existence, its local will, and its determination. Do not seek a solution to Shengal from the outside. Policies that aim to depopulate Shengal or target the culture, faith, and social life of the Yazidi people are unacceptable. The awareness, knowledge, and self-organization developed over the past 12 years are crucial for ensuring that the Yazidi community does not disperse again and does not suffer from massacres. Every individual with a sense of humanity has an important role to play.”
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