NEWS CENTER — The city of Shingal was subjected to the 74th genocide following the ISIS invasion, committing genocide against the Yazidis that led to the killing and kidnapping of thousands and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands, thus recording one of the most horrific human tragedies in contemporary history.

The Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) issued a statement today, Thursday, November 12, on the eleventh anniversary of Shingal's liberation, saying: "We congratulate our resisting people, all martyrs of freedom, and Leader Abdullah Öcalan on the eleventh anniversary of Shingal's liberation, and we salute with gratitude and respect the memory of all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for its liberation and who led this epic."

The statement noted that the 74th genocide forced thousands of the Yazidi people to flee their homes and pay a heavy price. "Thousands of women, especially our mothers and Yazidi girls, were subjected to the brutality of ISIS; deep wounds were opened in our hearts. However, thanks to the ideas and efforts of Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the historical struggle of the resistance of freedom fighters, this genocide was prevented from continuing. On this blessed day, the day of freedom, we salute their sacrifices and sacred endeavors, and affirm that our highest goal is to build a free Shingal."

"To prevent our society from facing such disasters again, we have built our defense forces, our organization, and our social institutions over 12 years. We have been healing our wounds and striving to prevent new decrees from being issued. We, as the Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement, have also carried out highly important work and highlighted the free identity and independent will of Yazidi women," according to the statement.

Regarding the continuation of war in the region, the statement indicated that "the countries of the region are experiencing a deep crisis as racism and sectarianism worsen, and women suffer most severely from this chaotic situation, with violence against them increasing. As Yazidis, we have paid a heavy price, so we call on all democratic, freedom-loving, and conscious forces to strengthen their solidarity with Yazidi women and the Shingal forces."

The movement affirmed in its statement the need for the Iraqi state to adopt a more responsible approach toward the suffering, demands, and wounds of the Yazidi community, pointing out that thousands of women and children are still missing and their fate remains unknown.

The statement stressed the need for the Iraqi state to urgently and officially recognize the genocide committed against this community, take measures to try and hold the perpetrators accountable, and establish effective committees to uncover the fate of the missing.

"Guaranteeing our future lies in organizing our society"

The statement drew attention to the fact that the launch of the peace and democratic society process initiated by Leader Abdullah Öcalan represents the beginning of a new phase of renewal and self-awareness for them as well. "Today, thanks to the efforts of Leader Öcalan and our martyrs, we have achieved a great will to defend ourselves and an unparalleled struggle. If the Iraqi state has today, for the first time, recognized the will of our society and our institutions for self-defense, that is the fruit of this struggle and resistance. However, we fully realize that the greatest guarantee for our future lies in the strength of our society, its will, and its organization. Therefore, the Iraqi state should not limit itself to military integration only, but must also officially recognize the democratic integration of institutions and self-administration in Shingal."

The statement stressed the need for fundamental changes in the political and legal fields, and for steps toward democracy to ensure women's rights throughout Iraq and to protect Yazidi women's rights. "We will continue our struggle and resistance firmly until the will of our people is fully recognized, until the decree is officially adopted as genocide, and until the fate of all the missing is revealed."