Iraq: Statement by the High Representative on the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi tragedy

Today, we commemorate the Yazidi tragedy of 3 August 2014. Ten years ago, Da'esh terrorists massacred 3,000 civilians in Sinjar and 7,000 women and children were kidnapped, abused, forced into sexual slavery or used as human shields. Thanks to the sacrifice and efforts of the Iraqi population and their security forces - supported by the European Union and likeminded countries - today, Da'esh has been largely defeated. The EU remains actively engaged in eliminating and preventing terrorism, and all forms of violent extremism.

The Yazidis are an ancient community, contributing to the diversity of Iraq's social and cultural fabric. The EU acknowledges the commitment of the Government of Iraq to protect and improve the situation of the Yazidi survivors and recognises the efforts, including by the Kurdish Regional Government, to provide sustainable solutions for those displaced by violence and conflict.

However, the Yazidi community in Iraq continues to face significant challenges, including obstacles preventing displaced people from returning to their homes, particularly in Sinjar; as well as security concerns and limited access to basic social services.

The European Union calls on the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to proceed with the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, as this would improve living conditions in Sinjar and facilitate the return of Internally Displaced People (IDP) from the Yazidi community.

The EU commends the determination of the Government of Iraq to reconstruct houses, provide education services and make available 1,000 employment contracts to returning Yazidis. The EU stands with the Yazidi community, also by providing substantial financial support, in particular to those leaving the IDP camps. We believe this displacement can end only through inclusive, informed, safe, voluntary, and dignified solutions.

The EU commends the achievement of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh (UNITAD). UNITAD's work provided evidence used in criminal proceedings in EU Member States, and stresses the need for the preservation of Da'esh-related evidence, with significance to EU Member States and in global criminal investigations. We take note of the approaching end of the UNITAD's mandate and we call for sustained effort to ensure accountability for crimes committed by Da'esh. Yazidi victims and survivors deserve justice.