“My community – the Yazidi community – is only one of the many communities around the world in desperate need of support to rebuild what was destroyed. I honestly can’t count the number of times I have spoken publicly about my community – it pains me greatly that once again I feel compelled to convey the state of the Yazidi people because the situation remains virtually unchanged,” Murad said in her speech.

And she continued: “Hundreds of thousands of Yazidis remain displaced in IDP camps where conditions are dangerous – especially in light of COVID-19. And, the Sinjar region – the Yazidi homeland – lacks critical infrastructure to support returnees. Sinjar was destroyed by ISIS – without a dedicated effort to build a stable local government and local security force committed to equal protection for all citizens, Yazidis cannot return safely.”

She also noted that: “Most importantly, everyone listening today needs to understand thousands of Yazidis still face sexual violence every day at the hands of ISIS. Over 2,800 Yazidi women and children are still missing and in captivity. It is incredibly disheartening to understand no collective search and rescue efforts have been made by the Iraqi government or the UN to find these women and children. These women and children have been subjected to sexual violence and slavery for over 6 years.”

Murad reiterated that: “Make no mistake the global community has abandoned over 2,800 human beings. It is the responsibility of the Iraqi government, the UN, and the international community to take immediate steps to rescue these women. Anything less is unacceptable. Yazidi families cannot rebuild their lives without knowing the fate on their loved ones.”

“I will not accept that the vast global community cannot help the Yazidis and other communities that suffer beyond what is even comprehendible. I know it is possible to collaborate – to bring resources – both financial and otherwise to vulnerable communities need help. Let us be clear – it is a moral imperative to respond to the vast needs of fellow human beings. We must act – together,” She added.

“Despite the progress we’ve made, NGOs cannot rebuild post-conflict communities on their own. In Iraq, the government must take responsibly to rebuild Sinjar, provide survivors with reparations, and stabilize local governance and security. Rival groups struggling for control over Sinjar has left the region without working governance. And this negatively impacts my community’s efforts to restore their life and return to their homeland,” she pointed out.

“Victims deserve justice. Investigations have begun, evidence has been collected, and survivors have recorded their testimonies. But justice has yet to be served. It is up to the Iraqi government and the international community to try ISIS perpetrators for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide,” she added.

Source ezidi24.com