Shengal’s institutions protest the threats against Yazidis, call for the recognition of their forces

Representatives of institutions and organizations in Shengal made a press statement condemning the threats of the occupying Turkish state against the Yazidi community and Iraq’s attempts to besiege and disarm Yazidi forces.

‘Do not remain silent’

Speaking on behalf of the institutions and organizations in Shengal, Neam Bedel, a member of the TAJÊ (Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement) Coordination, stated that the Iraqi state has begun implementing its plans regarding Shengal, saying: “What is happening in Shengal today reminds us of 3 August 2014. We appeal to all states and human rights organizations that recognized the Yazidi massacre as genocide: do not remain silent in the face of the threats by the Turkish state and a group of Iraqi officials against Shengal. The current approach against Shengal reminds us of 3 August 2014, when Shengal was besieged by ISIS. Today, the city is being besieged by the Iraqi government.”

‘Our children resisted ISIS and defended Iraqi territory’

Recalling that the YBŞ–YJŞ and Êzidxan (Yazidi land) Asayish protected the Yazidi community against ISIS attacks back in 2014, Neam Bedel continued: “We call on the Iraqi government not to target our children who resisted ISIS and defended Iraqi territory. Our children also protected Iraq’s honor. We categorically reject the Iraqi government’s actions against the YBŞ (Shengal Defense Units), YJŞ (Shengal Women’s Units), and Êzidxan Asayish.”

‘Recognize our forces’

On behalf of the institutions and organizations of Shengal, Neam Bedel called for the recognition of Yazidi forces in Iraq, stating: “Our call to the government is to officially recognize these forces so that we do not suffer more massacres. If these forces are dismantled, massacres against us will continue.”

Call for solidarity with Shengal

Neam Bedel further called on people within the country and abroad not to remain silent against the plans targeting Shengal, saying: “Our people in Shengal and those abroad must rise up. As long as there is threat and danger against Shengal, we will continue our actions.”