Baghdad: Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, affirmed on Sunday that the 2014 Sinjar tragedy remains one of the most horrific crimes in Iraq’s history and a deep wound in the conscience of humanity. He stressed that Iraq’s religious and cultural diversity is a strength for national unity, not a ground for discrimination or persecution.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Mashhadani, in a statement marking the anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, expressed the importance of remembering the atrocity committed against the Yazidi community by the forces of darkness and terrorism. He described the tragedy as a significant historical event that saw thousands of innocent lives lost and communities devastated due to their faith.

Al-Mashhadani emphasized that the anniversary serves as a call to action to ensure justice for the victims and rehabilitation for the survivors. He highlighted that true reconciliation involves acknowledging the events, holding the perpetrators accountable, and committing to transitional justice, including the reconstruction of Sinjar.

The Speaker of Parliament reiterated that the Sinjar tragedy cannot be forgotten or bypassed by time. He outlined the need for the full implementation of Yazidi Survivors Law No. 8 of 2021, revealing the fates of the missing, and the opening of mass graves. Al-Mashhadani also called for clear budget allocations for rebuilding Sinjar and advocated for further legislation on crimes against humanity.

Al-Mashhadani urged that the Yazidi tragedy be included in educational and historical curricula to foster national awareness. He emphasized accountability for any parties failing in their duties related to this matter.

Concluding his statement, Al-Mashhadani expressed solidarity with the Yazidi community, reaffirming that Iraq’s religious and cultural diversity is a cornerstone of unity, rather than a basis for discrimination.