Chief Justice Reaffirms Commitment to Justice for Yazidi Genocide Victims

The Supreme Judicial Council media office.

A conference commemorating the Yazidi genocide.

The President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Dr Faiq Zidan, has reaffirmed Iraq’s determination to secure justice for victims of the Yazidi genocide, describing the atrocities as “a profound wound in the nation’s heart” that continues to shake the conscience of Iraq and humanity as a whole.

Addressing a conference commemorating the genocide, organised by the National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation in partnership with the American University of Baghdad, Judge Zidan underlined the judiciary’s commitment to accountability for those responsible. “The law knows no exceptions, justice allows no leniency, and no criminal will find sanctuary on Iraqi soil,” he said.

Recalling the crimes committed against the Yazidi community, Judge Zidan pointed to mass killings, forced displacement, enslavement, and other grave violations of human dignity. While thousands were killed and many remain missing, survivors continue to endure the pain of loss and the trauma of their experiences. He stressed that the atrocities represented not only an assault on a single community but “an attack on humanity itself, on our values, and our shared existence.”

Judge Zidan also praised the efforts of the National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation in documenting testimonies, archiving evidence, and preserving judicial records to the highest standards. These measures, he said, are essential not only to prosecute perpetrators but also to ensure justice is safeguarded for future generations. The Centre, he noted, is working closely with international partners to track down offenders and prevent them from escaping accountability.



PUKMEDIA