Conference of “Transitional Justice as Foundation of Democratic Integration” kicks off in Shengal

The Abdullah Ocalan Academy of Social Sciences held the conference in Shengal today under the slogan “Transitional Justice as the Foundation of Democratic Integration,” with the participation of around 200 people from Shengal, Sulaymaniyah, Makhmur, Mosul, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Hawler, Duhok and Europe. Participants included intellectuals, politicians, activists, representatives of political parties and religious figures.

The conference began with a minute of silence, followed by an opening speech by Azad Hussein, co-chair of the Shengal People’s Council, who stressed the importance of the event. He said, “holding such a conference on Shengal’s soil is the result of our people’s autonomous administration and self-defense. We are in a historic phase. This conference is not only to remember our suffering, but also to build justice and achieve democratic integration that protects our society. Transitional justice is the key to addressing our wounds and the foundation of a free life. We must respond to the brutality of genocide with democratic awareness and, through this conference, draw a roadmap for a dignified future for our people.”

Zeinab Murad, co-chair of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), then delivered a speech in which she congratulated the Yazidi community and noted that the conference was being held at an important historical stage.

She said, “with the anniversary of the genocide, our wounds are renewed once again. The Yazidi people have suffered throughout history and continue to suffer today. At present, wars are being waged across Kurdistan and the Middle East, while preparations are underway for major conflicts. Amid these plans and wars, we call on the Iraqi government to recognize the rights of our Yazidi people so that new genocides are not repeated.”

Following the speeches, a video presentation was shown about the genocide and violations committed against the Yazidi community.

During the conference, three main panels were held with the participation of experts and researchers:

First panel: The reality of genocide

- Haso Ibrahim: Genocide throughout history.

- Sara Shengali (member of the Jineology Academy): Genocide and women.

-Aldin Qulo (writer and intellectual): The impact of genocides on culture.

Second panel: The 2014 genocide and the search for justice

- Nasser Krit (Southern Kurdistan Parliament adviser): International genocide law and the reasons behind Iraq’s failure to join the Rome Statute.

- Khairy Ali Ibrahim (head of Petrichor Organization): The status of mass graves, ISIS genocide documents, and the rights of victims’ families.

- Samia Shengali (journalist and activist): The effects of genocide on the psychological state of the Yazidi community.

- Khalaf Qasim (activist): The Yazidi genocide between domestic neglect and international recognition.

Third panel: Democratic integration

- Kendal Shengali (member of the Abdullah Ocalan Academy of Social Sciences): Integration, the state and democratic society.

- Basi Shengali (deputy co-chair of the Shengal People’s Council): The role of women in democratic integration.

- Khudida Elias (co-chair of the municipal communes): Local democracy.

The conference continues with discussions on the panels and the reading of messages sent from outside Shengal.

A-H 

ANHA