Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's message on 6th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani commemorated in a statement on Sunday the sixth anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi community by ISIS militants.

PM Barzani said:

"On the sixth anniversary of the invasion of Shingal and the appalling genocide of Yazidi brothers and sisters by ISIS terrorists, I pay tribute to victims of this massacre. In a brutal attack on the Yazidi homeland, ISIS terrorists massacred, kidnapped and displaced thousands of innocent men, women and children. The massacre of Yazidis in Shingal is one of the most evil crimes committed against humanity in recent times. This mass murder was part of an evil attack against the Kurdistani nation.

"Despite the disaster they faced, our brave Yazidi brothers and sisters continue to defend their language, identity, culture and religion. I also pay tribute to Peshmerga heroes who fell liberating Shingal under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani. I also commend the people of Kurdistan for coming to the aid of Yazidis during these difficult days.

"All parties should help in rebuilding Shingal and normalising life there, including in clearing the city of foreign fighters and militia forces. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government should coordinate to protect the security of this area. The KRG has so far assisted in the liberation of many abducted Yazidis and will continue in its efforts to free the remaining kidnapped victims. I also call on the federal government to compensate Yazidis, and help internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to their ancestral homes with dignity.

"Once again, I pay tribute to the martyrs of Shingal and all those who fell protecting Kurdistan."

Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister