MSDOn this sorrowful day, marking the tenth anniversary of the Sinjar (Shengal) Massacre, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) commemorates with deepest respect the martyrs and victims of Yazidis. The heinous crimes perpetrated by the terrorist Islamic State (ISIS) on August 3, 2014, are considered a painful reminder of terrorism, urging us to unite and combat it.
We, as members of the SDC, reaffirm our unwavering condemnation of this horrific crime against humanity.
A decade has passed since the Sinjar region witnessed the most horrific acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing. The peaceful Yazidi people were subjected to a systematic campaign aimed at eradicating their presence, identity, and culture. This tragic anniversary places upon us a historic and moral responsibility to continue the struggle for justice and reconstruct what was destroyed by the ISIS.
We also pay tribute to the courage and immense sacrifices of the Yazidi people against terrorism. Additionally, we commend the crucial role played by the People’s Protection Units and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) who rushed to the aid of the Yazidi people when they were in need of safety. They performed the most glorious acts of heroism and sacrifice.
On this somber occasion, we renew our call upon the international community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities towards the Yazidi people. We urge for an official recognition of the atrocities committed against the Yazidis as a genocide and crimes against humanity. Moreover, we call for the provision of necessary support to reconstruct Sinjar and rehabilitate the destroyed infrastructure. We also emphasize the need for serious efforts to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to international justice and take effective measures to liberate the abducted Yazidis who are still held by terrorist groups. Furthermore, we stress the importance of supporting efforts to preserve the cultural and religious identity of the Yazidis and protect their heritage from attempts of destruction and misrepresentation.
As the SDC reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, cultural, and religious diversity. It calls upon all national and democratic powers in the region to unite their efforts in confronting the extremist ideologies that threaten our social fabric and our shared human values.
In conclusion, we extend our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the families of the martyrs and victims. We emphasize that we appreciate sacrifices made by the martyrs for freedom. We also confirm that our common struggle will continue until justice is achieved and a dignified and secure life is guaranteed for all components of Syrian people.
On August 3, 2024
Syrian Democratic Council
