House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Yazidi Genocide

08 February 2022 · 6 other contributors · 10,114 words

Opened by Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Responding minister: Chris Heaton-Harris

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Brendan O'Hara raised concerns about yazidi genocide in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

Mr Brendan O'Hara is concerned about the UK Government's refusal to recognise atrocities against Yazidis in Iraq as genocide.
Mr O'Hara cites the killing of hundreds or thousands of Yazidi men, abduction of boys for child soldiers, and kidnapping of women and girls for sexual slavery.
Mr O'Hara asks the UK Government to recognise the Yazidi atrocities as genocide following the conviction of Taha al-Jumailly in Germany.

Key requests to Government

Mr O'Hara asks the UK Government to recognise what happened to the Yazidis as genocide following the conviction of Taha al-Jumailly in Germany. He urges the Minister to confirm that the atrocities are indeed genocide, aligning with international legal standards.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Mr Brendan O'Hara is concerned about the UK Government's refusal to recognise the atrocities committed against Yazidis in Iraq as genocide. He cites the killing of hundreds if not thousands of men, abduction of boys for child soldiers, and kidnapping of women and girls for sexual slavery with 2,763 still missing. Mr O'Hara notes that Daesh murdered, enslaved, deported, and imprisoned many while inflicting serious harm on others. The UN report 'They came to destroy' details the systematic separation of men and boys from families for execution, along with depriving survivors of basic necessities like food and water.

Other contributors (6)

Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

The MP expressed concern about the UK Government's failure to recognise the genocide against Yazidi people carried out by Daesh between 2014 and 2017. He noted that around 10,000 Yazidis were either killed or captured in August 2014 alone, with over 80% of survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Charalambous argued for the UK to take action as a last resort to recognise the genocide and support international justice mechanisms.
Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North

Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute for securing today's debate on the Yazidi genocide, expresses her Kurdish heritage, shares her personal experience of feeling helpless during 2014 when thousands of Yazidis were dislocated from their homes in Iraq, highlights the House's recognition of atrocities committed by Daesh against Yazidis in April 2016, and stresses that recognising genocide is not merely symbolic but a commitment to support those affected.
Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

He thanked the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute for setting the scene, highlighting the plight of Yazidis and Christians who suffered under Daesh/ISIS. He mentioned a visit to Iraq in 2017 or 2018 where he saw firsthand how lives were changed due to these atrocities. Shannon stressed the importance of recognising genocide to provide dignity to victims and aid prosecution of perpetrators, noting that other countries like the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands have already recognised it as such. He also mentioned the need for UK Government to respond urgently to a letter asking them to recognise the crimes against Yazidis. Asked what would be done to enable Yazidis and Christians to return to their villages, towns and homes and rebuild their lives. Emphasised the importance of providing encouragement for those wishing to return.
Margaret Ferrier SNP Rottenrow

Ms Ferrier highlighted the Government's failure to recognise the Yazidi genocide, stressing that this is a moral issue and not one of politics or technicalities. She questioned whether women's equality outside UK borders was the Government's responsibility. Ms Ferrier also raised concerns about missing Yazidi women and children and asked if any assessment had been made regarding British citizens' involvement in these crimes.
Martyn Day SNP West Dunbartonshire

Mr Martyn Day highlighted the Yazidis' historical suffering, including 74 genocides recorded by them. He detailed the atrocities committed by Daesh in 2014 and noted current challenges such as displaced Yazidis and unresolved issues with justice for perpetrators. Mr Day called on the UK Government to recognise these crimes as genocide and urged more support through bilateral aid and refugee resettlement.
Nusrat Ghani Con Sussex Weald

Intervened to highlight the intent of Daesh to destroy Yazidis, quoting their statements about conquering Sinjar and the need to question the continual existence of Yazidis on Judgment Day. Raised concern that the Minister might refer to UN genocide convention terms, suggesting reliance instead on the ICJ's 2007 ruling stating state action is required upon learning of a serious risk of genocide.

Government Response

Chris Heaton-Harris

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Brendan O'Hara) for securing this debate in the time apportioned by the Backbench Business Committee. The Minister for the Middle East, North Africa and North America would have been delighted to take part in this debate as part of his responsibilities, but he is travelling on ministerial duties. I acknowledge contributions from all hon. Members including those from Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Margaret Ferrier), Strangford (Jim Shannon), Enfield North (Feryal Clark), Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Martyn Day), and Enfield, Southgate (Bambos Charalambous). The Yazidis have suffered immense pain through the abhorrent crimes inflicted by Daesh, including up to 10,000 killed, thousands of children traumatised, nearly 3,000 women and girls in captivity, and 200,000 displaced without basic necessities. The UK Government condemn these atrocities and support the Yazidis through contributions to the UN investigative team (£2 million), humanitarian aid (over £270 million since 2014), cultural protection funds, mental health care for female survivors of sexual violence and conflict, and advocacy for religious freedom in Iraq. We also note the German court's conviction of a Daesh fighter on war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide but are hesitant to comment further on ongoing legal proceedings. The UK will continue to press the Iraqi Government to deliver compensation and rehabilitation measures promised by the Yazidi survivors law and work with organisations to support its implementation.