Today marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic Autonomous Assembly of Shengal (MXDŞ), which was declared on 9 January 2015. For 9 years, the Yazidi people, with their popular institutions and organisations, have been calling on international institutions and the Iraqi Federal Government to officially recognise their Autonomous Administration. Although the Iraqi constitution recognises the right to autonomy or federalism for ethnic components and beliefs, Iraq does not respond to the demands of the Yazidi people due to the pressures of the Turkish state and the KDP.

All institutions affiliated to the Autonomous Administration, the Committee of Martyrs' Families, TAJÊ (Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement), PADÊ (Yazidî Democracy and Freedom Party) came together on the occasion and made a joint press statement at the Martyr Dilgeş and Martyr Berxwedan Cemetery on Mount Shengal.

Autonomous Administration Co-Chairman Nayif Şemo stated that they gathered on the occasion of the foundation anniversary of the Shengal Constituent Assembly, which was established upon the request of Yazidis.

Şemo said, "This was the only way of resistance. The leaders of the Constituent Assembly are still on duty without a moment's hesitation."

Şemo continued, "All institutions and organisations in Shengal gathered under the Êzidxan (Yazidi land) flag that will be hoisted on the summit of Mount Shengal thanks to our heroic martyrs. We promise our people that we will be a bridge between our forces and our people until the last drop of our blood."

Calling on the Iraqi state to recognise the Shengal Autonomous Administration, Şemo said, "Iraq should recognise our autonomy, which is our fundamental right in its constitution. Shengal has a special place in this geography. When the Autonomous Administration is recognised, it will be a model for all the peoples living in Iraq."

Pakize Zelal, spokesperson of the Committee of Martyrs' Families, started her speech by commemorating Zerdeşt Şengali, a commander of the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) who fell a martyr along with fighters Şervan Cila and Êzdîn Şengalî in an airstrike on the Dugirê village of Shengal on January 15, 2020.

Zelal said, "By targeting comrade Zerdeşt and his companions on the anniversary of the founding of the Constituent Assembly, they sought to make us step back. However, we resisted all attacks. On the anniversary of the founding of the Assembly, we commemorate all our martyrs in the person of Mam Zeki."

TAJÊ member Kinê Xidir said, "We have been a bulwark for our people until today by frustrating these plans with the strength and will of our people. Yazidi women played an important role in the establishment of the assembly. As TAJÊ, we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Constituent Assembly."