Sinjar (Şengal) paused for several minutes at 10:00 AM to mark the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, with public silence observed across the city on Saturday, 3 August. The tribute, organised by the Sinjar Autonomous Administration, was a poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on this date in 2014, which Yazidis refer to as their “Black Day”.
During the genocide, thousands of Yazidi men, women, and children were killed, buried in mass graves, and subjected to severe abuses by ISIS. Women and children were enslaved and faced sexual violence, while many elderly and young Yazidis died from starvation and dehydration. Despite the passage of a decade, many Yazidis remain missing, imprisoned or buried in unmarked graves.
Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), condemned the genocide as an “unforgettable atrocity” and lamented the Yazidis’ abandonment in their homeland. He reaffirmed the PUK’s commitment to rebuilding Sinjar, aiding the return of displaced Yazidis, and protecting Yazidi rights. Talabani emphasised the need for renewed efforts to locate missing individuals and ensure Yazidi cultural preservation, urging that their plight be handled without political complications.
In Sinjar, the tribute included community gatherings at key locations such as Qibletê, Xanesor and Serdeşt, and involved the distribution of food and water in memory of the victims. A memorial ceremony later in the afternoon will feature a march from the Sinjar People’s Assembly to the Zarîfa Osê School, a symbol of the Yazidis’ enduring suffering and resilience.
