Following the genocide of 2014, the Yazidi community established the Shengal Autonomous Administration, building their own system and governance to shape their future. 

On 3 August 2014, ISIS launched a brutal campaign against the Yazidi community in Shengal, facilitated by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Thousands of Yazidis were massacred, Yazidi women were enslaved, sold in markets, or burned alive in prison camps. During this atrocity, the world remained silent as the aim was the systematic annihilation of the Yazidi people. However, inspired by the philosophy and vision of Abdullah Öcalan, freedom fighters intervened to liberate Shengal from the grip of ISIS forces. Their resistance marked a significant turning point, saving Shengal from further destruction. 

The resistance inspired by Abdullah Öcalan's ideas and philosophy became the driving force behind Shengal's liberation from the grip of ISIS. The Yazidi community, determined to protect its existence, engaged in educational efforts and organized itself for self-defense. At the same time, they began establishing their own councils and organizational structures.

Following Shengal’s liberation, the Yazidis began rebuilding their homes and establishing their defense systems. By adopting a democratic self-governance model, the Yazidi community founded their own system of administration in Shengal. Now, as this democratic governance model enters its tenth year, the Yazidi people continue to organize themselves to maintain their freedom and autonomy. The autonomous system in Shengal embraces all nations and communities. 

Rîham Hesen reflected on the role of the freedom guerrillas in Shengal’s liberation, stating: "Apart from Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) and his guerrillas, everyone wanted Shengal to be destroyed. With Leader Apo’s call to the guerrillas for the liberation of Shengal, a remarkable resistance emerged, and Shengal was freed. The liberation of Shengal from ISIS was achieved through the efforts of Kurdistan’s freedom guerrillas, as well as the contributions of Yazidi women and youth. Shengal was freed with the guidance of Leader Apo’s ideas and perspectives, and it is with his philosophy that the Autonomous Administration of Shengal was established."

Self-defence is the right

Rîham Hesen emphasized that self-defense and organization are the rights of all living beings, and added: "This solution project is for all oppressed and marginalized peoples. The Autonomous Administration was established in Shengal to ensure that the Yazidi community can defend itself and advance in all areas. The Yazidi people have realized through unity and solidarity that they can overcome the effects of 74 genocidal campaigns. Today, the Yazidi people have once again proven that even without the support of states, they are capable of protecting their own lives. International states are now debating this project, yet they act solely in their own interests, neglecting the needs and conditions of the people. This project provides a path to a solution for all communities. Every living being has the right to defend its existence, and as the Yazidi people, we stand by this right. It is our right. For us, Yazidi women, youths, and the security forces of Êzidxan have the strength to ensure this defense."

The Autonomous Administration is for everybody

Hesen underlined the significance of self-governance, emphasizing that it is a model not just for the Yazidi people but for all communities. She said: "In this era, the establishment of autonomous administration represents the greatest expression of the people’s will because this structure was built by the people themselves. When we talk about autonomous administration, we are essentially defining the will of the people.  Within the autonomous administration, the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) continues its work, with many organized efforts in place. TAJÊ collaborates with all women and fosters their organization. Additionally, there are educational projects specifically designed for women within this system.  The Yazidi youth and their youth organizations are also an essential part of this framework. Within the autonomous administration, everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, finds their place, builds their own organizations, and participates in educational programs. 

Shengal is not only home to Yazidis but also to Shia, Arabs, and other diverse communities. For this reason, the autonomous administration supports everyone while respecting all faiths and identities. Every community has the right to determine its own destiny. To achieve this, the voice of freedom must be amplified, and self-governance must be defended. Anyone who seeks freedom can find their place within the autonomous administration."

Hesen reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom struggle, stating: "We have sacrificed thousands of martyrs and endured immense hardships to reach this point. The 2014 genocide against the Yazidi community brought massive destruction and the loss of countless lives. Since that time, attacks by the Turkish state have persisted, and our pioneers continue to be targeted. 

Figures like Seît, Dîndar, Dişwar, Çeko, and Mam Zekî became symbols of the will and representation of our people. As the Yazidi community, we will always stand by this freedom struggle and never abandon the path to liberation. If we wish to live freely, we must walk this road, because this struggle is the only way to victory for our people. Today, the YJS (Yazidi Women’s Protection Units), YBS (Shengal Resistance Units), and Êzidxan Asayiş Forces not only defend the Yazidi community but also protect the people of Iraq. Our forces are not only committed to safeguarding the Yazidi community but also fighting for the freedom of all peoples."

The Turkish State supported ISIS

Hesen highlighted the Turkish state’s support for ISIS during the 2014 attacks on the Yazidi community, stating: "On 3 August 2014, ISIS gangs launched attacks against the Yazidi community. At the same time, the forces trained and directed by ISIS received support from the Turkish state in their assaults on Shengal. However, it was the HPG (People’s Defense Forces) and YJA-Star guerrillas who liberated Shengal. Today, Shengal is protected by the YJŞ, YBŞ, and Êzidxan Asayiş Forces. This resistance is the strength that binds us together because we define ourselves as part of the Iraqi people. We continue our efforts to prevent our enemies from even taking a single step onto our lands, contaminated by their intentions."

Drawing attention to the Turkish state’s attacks for domination in Iraq, Rîham Hesen stated: "The Turkish state has a strategic goal in targeting Shengal. Shengal is a region of great importance and strategic value to them. If Shengal had not been liberated at that time, their strategy would have failed. If Shengal had fallen into the hands of the Turkish state, they would have gained a foothold to intervene throughout the region, starting from Shengal. For this reason, all forces in Iraq must unite in earnest, and a strong resistance must be shown to protect our people."

Hesen highlighted the challenges faced by the Yazidi community, particularly their inability to visit Laleşa Nûranî, a sacred site for Yazidis. She stated: “Currently, hundreds of Yazidis are imprisoned in Iraqi jails. Many others are unable to pass through regions in Iraq to reach Laleşa Nûranî because they remain under the oppression of their enemies, deprived of their freedom. After the resistance in Shengal, many Yazidi youths attempted to travel to Southern Kurdistan (Başûrê Kurdistan), yet they are still being held in prisons. Yazidi women attempting to reach Southern Kurdistan often go missing, and the government there fails to take responsibility. They do not investigate these cases or offer any assistance to these women.” 

Hesen emphasized the importance of unity within the Yazidi community, stating: "If the Yazidi people stand united, they can overcome all attacks. As the Yazidi people, our hope is that these genocides and oppressive policies will finally come to an end. However, our people must not fall into complacency, thinking that the threat of genocide is over. The existing policies still pose significant dangers. Our unity has enabled us to establish our own army, council, and self-administration structures. The ideas and philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan have become a guiding path, offering solutions to the problems faced by all communities today. Our example serves as a source of hope for all peoples striving for freedom, equality, and justice."

The genocide must be recognized by Iraq

Rîham Hesen stressed the importance of officially recognizing the genocide against the Yazidi people by Iraq, stating: "The world knows that the genocide against the Yazidis was carried out by ISIS. We must distinguish between genocides and other attacks because the purpose of the genocide was to eradicate the Yazidi people entirely. Thousands of Yazidi women and children were killed, enslaved, and sold, while men were massacred. To this day, the trail of many remains unknown. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Yazidi community in Rojava made tremendous efforts to rescue Yazidis from the hands of ISIS. We extend our gratitude to them once again. Sixteen countries have officially recognized this genocide. However, Iraq has yet to acknowledge it and has not allowed our people to implement their own projects. Our people’s will continues to be suppressed.  On numerous occasions, our diplomatic representatives and self-administration officials have met with Iraqi authorities, yet no steps have been taken toward recognizing the genocide. If it were recognized, legal proceedings could be initiated, and the perpetrators could be held accountable.

However, Iraq refuses to admit its crimes and still evades responsibility for the genocide against the Yazidi people.  Even the countries that have recognized the genocide have done little to support us. Everyone knows that ISIS attacked the Yazidis with the support of the KDP. Once again, as in the past, the KDP failed to support Shengal and did not support the Yazidi people.  To obscure these truths, discussions about the genocide resurface every year on August 3, often centered around material concerns. But as Yazidis, we are not pursuing material gains. Our only goal is to claim our rights and achieve freedom. We are a people who refuse to surrender and who will not allow our existence to be erased. If anyone attempts to annihilate our people, we will never permit it. Instead, we will strengthen our organization and continue our struggle for justice and freedom."