Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed Yezidi civil society leaders in Washington, D.C., ahead of the ten-year commemoration of the ISIS genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. The meeting took place in the Thomas Jefferson Room on July 23, 2024.
"We’re here today ahead of the ten-year commemoration of the ISIS genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims – genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing against these and other groups," Blinken stated. Reflecting on his time in government during the attacks, he recalled "the suffering, the desperation of so many people," and highlighted U.S. efforts to protect those endangered.
Blinken emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring victims by hearing their stories. He noted that between 2014 and 2017, ISIS displaced millions of Iraqis from their historic homelands, including most of Iraq’s Yezidi population. The U.S. has collaborated with civil society and community leaders across Iraq to help these communities recover and stabilize.
"Over that period of time, we’ve invested some $500 million specifically targeted toward the recovery of communities that were most affected by ISIS," Blinken said. This investment is in addition to billions provided to assist those in need.
Representatives from organizations partnered with over the years attended the meeting. Blinken expressed gratitude for their ongoing work to aid those victimized by ISIS.
Despite progress, Blinken acknowledged that much work remains. Over one million Iraqis remain displaced within Iraq, including about 300,000 Yezidis; 2,600 Yezidis are still missing or unaccounted for. "We are determined to find them, to learn their fates, and to rescue those who remain alive," he affirmed.
Blinken underscored the U.S.'s commitment to supporting ongoing recovery efforts for affected communities and ensuring accountability for those responsible for the atrocities committed by ISIS. "So mostly we’re here to listen to our friends and partners...to do right by those victimized by ISIS."
He concluded by thanking attendees for their presence and contributions.
