Large parts of the Yazidi population of northwestern Iraq have taken refuge in Iraqi
Kurdistan. They live in unfinished buildings, refugee camps or under bridges.
In the beginning of August 2014 the Yazidis fled their homes because the Sunni extremist
group Islamic State attacked the areas they lived. Around 40,000 made it to Mount Sinjar
where they were surrounded by Islamic State forces. They were left there virtually without
food or water, and many died. The Yazidis were able to escape from the mountain with the
help of US air strikes. But many were left behind and either killed or kidnapped.
The Yazidi religion is a mixture of ancient religions, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and
Sufi influences. They worship seven angels, of which Melek Taus or the Peacock Angel is
the most important. Muslims and Christians often identify Melek Taus with the devil and
accuse the Yazidis for being devil worshippers. The Yazidis have experienced countless
attacks because of this, both historically and in modern times.
Since Islamic State begun their attacks on the Yazidi minority in the beginning of August
2014 local Iraqi sources have registrered numerous massacres of Yazidis. The total death
toll is not known since many Yazidi members were burned after they were executed. The
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for human rights Ivan Simonovic stated in
October 2014 that evidence indicates that actions against the Yazidis may amount to
attempted genocide.
