YEREVAN, August 3 – The Armenian National Assembly today observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the Yazidi genocide in Sinjar. The initiative was put forth by Rustam Bakoyan, a member of the ruling ‘Civil Contract’ faction, during the inaugural session of the 9th National Assembly.
Remembering the Sinjar Genocide
Bakoyan reminded the assembly that August 3, 2014, marked a catastrophic event for the Yazidi people, an attempt at the complete annihilation of their community. He emphasized that the consequences of the 2014 genocide continue to be felt today.
“Yazidi women and girls continue to be sold in markets in Arab countries, and the fate of approximately 3,000 women remains unknown,” Bakoyan stated, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
According to the MP, the Yazidi genocide resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, with an equal number sold into slavery. Following his address, Bakoyan directly addressed the Yazidi community in their native language, underscoring the parliament’s solidarity.
The Horrors of the 2014 Genocide
The Yazidi genocide in Iraq began on August 3, 2014, when militants from the “Islamic State” (ISIS) terrorist group launched an attack on the Sinjar region. Thousands were killed or went missing due to mass killings, forced conversions, and abductions, while hundreds of thousands of Yazidis became refugees.
In August 2014, ISIS militants surrounded Sinjar Mountain, forcing Yazidis to choose between death and conversion. Between 3,000 and 5,000 men and elderly women were killed. The militants enslaved approximately 7,000 women and children, and over 400,000 Yazidis fled their homes to the mountains without food or water.
These actions have been officially recognized as genocide by numerous countries and the United Nations, underscoring the severity of the atrocities committed.
Armenia’s Stance and Ongoing Support
Armenia has consistently been a vocal advocate for the recognition and condemnation of genocides, drawing on its own historical experiences. The minute of silence in the National Assembly serves as a renewed commitment to remembering such horrific events and supporting affected communities.
The Armenian government and various non-governmental organizations have been involved in providing humanitarian aid and support to Yazidi refugees, many of whom have found refuge in Armenia. This act by the parliament reinforces Armenia’s dedication to human rights and its opposition to crimes against humanity.
International Calls for Justice
The international community continues to call for justice for the victims of the Yazidi genocide. Efforts are underway to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of those who were displaced or enslaved. The Armenian parliament’s gesture contributes to these global efforts by keeping the memory of the genocide alive and reminding the world of the ongoing suffering.
The 9th National Assembly, in its first session, has thus set a precedent for addressing critical human rights issues and demonstrating solidarity with persecuted communities worldwide.
Source: arminfo.info
