Speech by the President of President Jalal Talabani Foundation at the Ceremony for the Publication of "The Legal Classification of Crimes Committed Against the Yazidis"

Speech by Dr. Muhammad Sabir, President of the Jalal Talabani Foundation, at the Ceremony for the Publication of “The Legal Classification of Crimes Committed against the Yazidis”

Dear distinguished guests, authors, and researchers,

We are honored by your presence at the ceremony for the publication of the book, “The Legal Classification of Crimes Committed against the Yazidis.”

The Yazidi religion is one of the ancient and authentic religions of the Kurdish people, representing an integral part of the Kurdish nation's identity. Tragically, throughout history, Yazidis have faced repeated waves of massacres—more than 74 times—due to their beliefs and their Kurdish identity. These atrocities have left deep psychological and social scars that continue to resonate in their daily lives.

Following the ISIS attack on the region, particularly on Sinjar, the Yazidis once again endured brutal massacres and widespread displacement. According to statistics, 6,417 individuals were kidnapped during these attacks, with the majority being women and children. ISIS also desecrated 68 graveyards, both inside and outside of Sinjar, and 83 mass graves have been discovered, containing the remains of countless women and children. It is deeply concerning that, despite the severity of these crimes, there has not been sufficient international cooperation to officially recognize these atrocities as genocide.

The Jalal Talabani Foundation, in alignment with Mam Jalal's dedication to protecting the rights of all religious and cultural communities, considers the Yazidi religion a fundamental part of the Kurdish nation's identity. Mam Jalal consistently emphasized that “Yazidis are true Kurds, entitled to practice their religious activities freely. We must defend their rights and ensure that Yazidis do not feel abandoned. Special attention must be paid to their religious ceremonies.”

In this spirit, the Foundation has undertaken a national project to create a comprehensive archive that includes all historical evidence related to the Yazidi and Kakaiy communities. This archive aims to provide a stronger basis for advocating for Yazidi rights on the international stage, recognizing the atrocities committed against them as genocide, and offering a valuable resource for researchers and authors.

The research conducted by Dr. Dlpak is a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to internationalize the recognition of the Yazidi genocide and to provide a legal framework for this crucial cause. The Jalal Talabani Foundation remains committed to supporting any project that serves to protect and preserve the cultural and religious identity of the Yazidi community.

Thank you.

Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Sabir 
President, Jalal Talabani Foundation