The Kurdish Women's Movement in Europe (TJK-E) made a written statement to denounce the threats of the Iraqi government and the risk of a massacre against Yazidis in Shengal.

In its statement the TJK-E said the following:

"Shengal, one of the most ancient centers of Mesopotamia, Middle East, which is called the cradle of humanity has become one of the main targets of hegemonic powers that seek to subordinate peoples, cultures, beliefs and women. The people of Shengal have been subjected to 72 massacres throughout history. The last one was committed by ISIS in 2014. Thousands of Yazidis were massacred, tens of thousands were displaced, hundreds of Yazidi women were kidnapped and put up for sale in slave markets. The fate of many of these abducted women has still not been clarified.

"SHENGAL TURNED THE TABLES"

The joint struggle of Kurdish freedom fighters, women and the people of Shengal defeated ISIS and changed the course of history. For the last 7 years, the people of Shengal have established their self-government. This situation, of course, disturbed the hegemonic powers. For this reason, the autonomous administration of Shengal has become a target. The agreement that was concluded between Baghdad and Hewler and involves international powers and the Turkish state, is part of a broader plan.

"PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW ONSLAUGHT"

After the agreement, the Shengal Autonomous Administration, the Kurdish people and women declared that they did not accept any agreement that did not take into account the will of Shengal’s people. However, today, there is an imposition to hand over the control of local security forces to the Iraqi government in defiance of the autonomous system that was built at heavy cost. We would like to state that we consider this imposition to be an approval and invitation to a new invasion attack which would pave the way for a further genocidal onslaught.

"LET US PROTECT SHENGAL"

As the European Kurdish Women's Movement, we have not forgotten, nor will we forget what the 72 massacres brought to these ancient lands. For this reason, we call on the Iraqi government, Kurdish regional forces and all international forces to recognize the will of the Shengal administration and to respond to their call for dialogue. The whole world recognized and appreciated Shengal and women fighters who fought against ISIS in 2014. Today is the time to pay our debt of gratitude to this struggle and to protect Shengal. We call on the democratic public opinion, especially Kurdish women, the Kurdish people, and women's movements to endorse the will of Shengal."