In the early morning hours of August 3, 2014, the extremist “Islamic State,” or IS, group attacked communities in northern Iraq that were home to the ethno-religious Yazidi minority. Yazidi men were executed on the spot, and women and children were captured, with thousands eventually being sold into slavery. By 2017, the IS group was declared defeated in Iraq, but the Yazidi people are still waiting for justice.

Positive developments have occurred, including the resettlement of Yazidi survivors in third countries and international court cases against former IS members. However, challenges remain, with over 2,600 Yazidis still unaccounted for and mass graves being exhumed around Iraq.

UNITAD’s Closure

The unexpected dissolution of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh (UNITAD) has raised concerns among advocates and legal experts. With UNITAD’s evidence potentially at risk, there are fears of a denial of justice for the Yazidi people.

The Call for Justice

Yazidi advocacy organizations are urging the UN to safeguard UNITAD’s evidence or establish a new tribunal. While the pursuit of justice in Iraq is preferred, concerns persist regarding transparency and trust within Iraqi authorities.

Despite the challenges, the Yazidi people remain steadfast in their pursuit of accountability and justice, emphasizing the personal significance of these efforts in contrast to the global political landscape.

Edited by Richard Connor