GENOCIDE HAS BEEN COMMITTED AGAINST IRAQ’S MINORITIES, SAYS AMAR CHAIRMAN

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s declaration that Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) has committed genocide against the Yazidi minority in Iraq has been welcomed by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Chairman of the AMAR International Charitable Foundation. 

Baroness Nicholson agreed that it was now “beyond doubt” that genocide had been waged on the Yazidis and other minority religions and she has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to begin an immediate investigation. 

“All those who have seen the situation on the ground for themselves and have talked to these poor people about their terrible experiences know that this has been the very definition of genocide – the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, or cultural group,” said the Baroness today. 

“A genocide should have been declared many months ago as it was quite obvious this was a deliberate attempt by these ISIS thugs to wipe out the Yazidi population; men, women and children. Hopefully this statement from the Holocaust Museum will push the ICC to begin proceedings.” Baroness Nicholson said the evidence against Islamic State was overwhelming. 

“AMAR teams have been working with the Yazidi people in the camps around Dohuk in Iraq for the last 18 months. I have personally listened to countless horrifying accounts from these poor people. Stories of murder, systematic rape, torture, and slavery have been all too common and these evil people must be made to answer for this. It is beyond doubt that it is genocide.” 

Iraq Solidarity News (Al-Thawra) editors note: AMAR has been working with those affected by ISIS violence since last summer, delivering emergency relief, healthcare and education to those in need. 

This summer, AMAR brought three Yazidi women over to the UK so that they could share their experiences of captivity with British students and help increase understandings of the horrors faced by those enslaved by ISIS. For further information or to show your support please check out https://appeal.amarfoundation.org/