Yazda’s statement on the recent armed clashes in Sinjar

“Yazda strongly condemns the recent armed clashes between the Iraqi Army and YBS fighters among Sinjar’s civilians. These clashes caused significant damage to civilians, who have all been victims of an ongoing genocide since 2014.

According to UNHCR, over 4000 Yazidi civilians have been internally displaced again in the past few days as a direct result of these armed clashes. Additionally, these events have increased fear and uncertainty, as well a sense of an unknown future, among the Yazidis in Iraq.

We call upon all parties to immediately end the fight and deescalate the armed conflict. The dignity, safety, and security of the people of Sinjar must be at the forefront of any political, military, or security move.

We also urge the International Community, the Iraqi Government, and the Kurdistan Regional Government to take responsibility for ensuring that the situation in Sinjar does not deteriorate into a longer-term conflict. If this cannot be accomplished within a reasonable timeframe, we call on the international community to welcome Yazidis seeking safe passage out of Iraq. Yazidis have endured tremendous suffering over the last eight years and deserve peace, if not in Iraq, then elsewhere”