11. Echoes of Survival and Justice: The Yezidi Genocide and Its Lasting Impact

This chapter examines the plight of the Yezidi (Êzîdî) community in Iraq. It begins by exploring the historical and contemporary context of Yezidis before delving into the atrocities committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)– recognized as genocide by many countries and international organizations. ISIS atrocities devastated Yezidi communities through mass killings, enslavement, and sexual violence, and its legacy has profoundly impacted the population of survivors scattered across the globe. The chapter further analyzes the aftermath of the genocide, focusing on justice-seeking efforts at both local and international levels. It highlights that, as Iraqi authorities strive to transition from the conflict with ISIS toward stability and sovereignty, the Yezidis’ quest for justice and accountability remains unfulfilled. These efforts often neglect critical issues such as reparations and restorative justice for survivors and the families of victims, whose suffering is increasingly overlooked due to diminishing international involvement.