“Shengal is our home, we must build it ourselves”

With its agenda, discussions, and decisions, the 6th Congress of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council (MXDŞ) was held on Saturday as a congress of construction, change, and transformation. The focus of the discussions at the congress were ensuring Yazidi unity, securing the rights of the Yazidi community within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution, and building communes. With this congress, the Yazidi community has reached a strategic social and political program through which it can preserve its existence and obtain its status under the conditions of the third world war.

Speaking to ANF, representatives of institutions and organizations who attended the congress drew attention to the 11-year struggle of the Autonomous Administration of Shengal and stated that the 6th MXDŞ Congress has created a new ground for the unity and existence of the Yazidi community and for resolving the problems in Shengal.

‘We will achieve freedom and a solution through unity’

Riham Hesen, a member of the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) Coordination, stated that the Shengal Autonomous Administration has paid heavy prices so far for the protection and existence of the Yazidi community, saying, “All institutions and structures affiliated with the Autonomous Administration have made efforts to be the voice of the people. Today, we are holding this congress under difficult conditions. The situation in Iraq is clear; attacks against the gains in Shengal continue. Holding this congress in such a period is a response. As the Yazidi community, we will achieve freedom and a solution through unity.”

Referring also to the Shengal People’s Assembly, Riham Hesen stated that everyone can take part under the umbrella of this assembly and represent their will, adding, “This assembly represents all Yazidis, because Shengal is the center of the Yazidis.”

‘The Iraqi state has treated us as if we did not exist’

Riham Hesen also made the following assessment regarding discussions on democratic integration: “The Iraqi Constitution is federal and recognizes the rights of all cultural and belief groups. As the Yazidi community, we are also citizens of this state. However, until today, the Iraqi state has treated us as if we did not exist. We hope this congress will serve as a means for us to attain our constitutional rights. This is our most natural right. For 11 years, we have continued our struggle. We will continue our efforts to live in Shengal with our language, our identity, and our free existence. We hope this congress will contribute to the resolution of problems.”

‘The congress is the foundation of society and unity’

Xwedêda Ilyas, Co-Chair of the Shengal People’s Municipalities and also a member of the Shengal People’s Assembly, described the 6th MXDŞ Congress as the foundation of society and unity, stating, “The Shengal Founding Assembly was established in 2015 under great difficulties. Since then, six congresses have been held. From the genocide until today, the Shengal Autonomous Administration has made great efforts and carried out important work. We must uphold this work and the efforts of the martyrs. New plans were discussed comprehensively at the congress. Every change is progress. This is for the protection of society, the land, and human values.”

‘Unity is necessary to protect ourselves and our land’

Commenting on the development of unity and alliance within the Yazidi community, which was one of the main topics of the congress, Xwedêda Ilyas stated the following: “The unity of the Yazidi community must be ensured. Unity is necessary to protect ourselves and our land. In order for the genocide of 2014 not to happen again, unity is essential. If we had had an organized system and a defense force before 2014, we would not have suffered that great genocide. If society builds itself, the state is nothing. Shengal is our home, we must build it ourselves.”