10 Years of Silence: A Peaceful Demonstration for the Memory and Justice of the Ezidis

On December 9th and 10th, 2024, a peaceful demonstration took place in Bonn, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of silence following the tragedy associated with the ongoing genocide of the Ezidis. The event coincided with the anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide, adopted under the leadership of Raphael Lemkin and first ratified by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The convention, based on Lemkin’s work and later contributions by authors such as Idar Schmöde, remains a key document in the fight against genocides.

The demonstration in Bonn, organised by Ezidi activists from VetoG-Camp with the support of TAVA SOR, gathered activists, survivors, community leaders, and artists to honor the victims, raise awareness about the injustice, and demand international support for the Ezidis. The two-day program included cultural events, advocacy speeches, and memorial actions, making it not only an act of solidarity but also a call to action.

A group of Assyrians also joined the demonstration, expressing their solidarity with the Ezidi people. Their participation emphasized the importance of unity among ethnic and religious minorities in the fight for human rights, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the prevention of genocides. The joint involvement of different groups made the event even more significant, reminding everyone of the need for international support for all oppressed communities.

Day 1: Memory and Cultural Heritage

Opening Ceremony

The first day began with a solemn opening ceremony, where participants gathered at the UN office in Bonn. The organizers delivered welcome speeches, emphasizing the significance of the event. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims of the Ezidi genocide.

Artistic and Cultural Performances

A part of the program was dedicated to showcasing art that reflects the tragedy and hope of the Ezidi people. Artists presented their works—paintings and drawings—depicting the history and suffering of the community. In addition, traditional costumes and songs were presented, symbolising the rich cultural heritage of the Ezidis.

One of the key participants in the artistic part of the event was Khuder Daham, whose works reflect the resilience and identity of the Ezidi people. You can explore his artistic creations on his Facebook page.

Religious Hymns and Remembrance

A significant moment of the day was the performance of religious hymns by Ezidi leaders. These performances were aimed at supporting the community and restoring its spiritual strength, while also honoring the memory of those lost in the ongoing genocide. The hymns echoed the resilience and enduring faith of the Ezidi people.

Candlelight Vigil

The evening concluded with a symbolic candlelight vigil. Participants lit candles in memory of the victims, uniting in a call for justice and the protection of the Ezidi people.

Day 2: Call to Action and Advocacy

On the second day, the focus shifted to advocacy and action. Activists provided updates on the current situation of the Ezidis and shared initiatives aimed at improving their circumstances. Personal stories from survivors served as powerful testimonies of the ongoing struggles faced by the community.

During the event, a document titled “Call for Remembrance and Genocide Prevention” was prepared and sent to the United Nations. This document emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of genocide victims and calls for international action to prevent such crimes in the future.

The document includes the following call:

• Defend the rights of the victims.
• Oppose the denial of genocide.
• Unite efforts to protect human dignity.

It was presented to the public during the demonstration at the UN office in Bonn.

Main Demonstration

Survivors, activists, and community leaders delivered powerful speeches emphasizing the importance of international intervention. Topics such as justice, security, and the restoration of the Ezidi people were discussed in detail. Following these speeches, participants took part in a peaceful march around the UN office, carrying slogans calling for adherence to the Genocide Convention and the protection of the rights of the Ezidi people.

Media Coverage and Interviews

The event attracted significant attention from both local and national media.

• Journalists from Lalish TV conducted interviews and provided detailed coverage of the demonstration. You can watch their report [here].
• Representatives from Refugees International also participated in the event. More information about their work can be found on their website [here].
• Local media outlets, such as Laut-Werden, also gave the event substantial coverage. You can watch their report [here].

On the same day, December 9, activist Samia Shingali held a demonstration in Iraq. Her action became a symbol of unity and solidarity for the Ezidi people, wherever they may be, highlighting the crucial role of the fight for justice and the need for collective efforts.

The peaceful demonstration in Bonn and the solidarity actions organized in Iraq became not only acts of remembrance but also an important reminder of the need for action. The Ezidis continue to fight for justice, their rights, and the preservation of their identity. The work of organisations, activists, and artists plays a crucial role in this struggle, reminding us that silence is a path to the repetition of tragedy.