Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge has raised the 2014 Ezidi Genocide in the Australian Federal Parliament ahead of the anniversary of [Roja Reş], the Black Day of 3 August.
The speech followed a recent discussion with representatives of Ezidis in Australia and focused on the lasting consequences of the ISIS attack on Sinjar in 2014. The genocide led to the killing of thousands of Ezidis, the abduction and enslavement of women and children, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
More than a decade later, the trauma of the genocide continues to affect Ezidi survivors and families across the world. Many Ezidis who found safety in Australia still carry the memory of what happened in 2014, while many others in Iraq and Syria continue to face insecurity, displacement, and uncertainty about their future.
The situation of Ezidis in Syria was also raised, especially fears linked to political changes, ongoing conflict, and concerns over the protection of religious and ethnic minorities. For many Ezidis, the genocide remains a warning of how quickly an entire people can become the target of destruction because of their identity and religion.
The speech also highlighted the destruction of Ezidi villages, the separation of families, the long-term psychological consequences faced by survivors, and the continued need for justice, security, recognition, and support for missing persons.
For Ezidis in Australia, the message was one of recognition and belonging. The senator emphasized that Ezidis who have rebuilt their lives in Australia should feel safe, protected, and welcomed, while still preserving their deep connection to their history, culture, and Sharfadin.
