We must remain committed to rebuilding communities ravaged by genocide

"As a survivor, I am grateful for this opportunity to draw international attention to the plight of the Yazidi people who have suffered unimaginable crimes since the genocide by Daesh, which began in 2014. 

Many Yazidi's will look upon this prize and think of family members that were lost, are still unaccounted for, and of the 1,300 women and children, which remain in captivity. Like many minority groups, the Yazidi's, have carried the weight of historical persecution. 

Women in particular have suffered greatly as they have been, and continue to be the victims of sexual violence. For myself, I think of my mother, who was murdered by DAESH, the children with whom I grew up, and what we must do to honour them. 

Persecution of minorities must end. We must work together with determination – to prove that genocidal campaigns will not only fail, but lead to accountability for the perpetrators and justice for the survivors. 

We must remain committed to rebuilding communities ravaged by genocide. Survivors deserve a safe and secure pathway home or safe passage elsewhere. We must support efforts to focus on humanity, and overcome political and cultural divisions. We must not only imagine a better future for women, children and persecuted minorities, we must work consistently to make it happen - prioritising humanity, not war." 

Nadia Murad is the Nobel Peace Prize winner 2018 and author of The Last Girl .

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