Thousands of Êzidî women were kidnapped by ISIS during the genocidal attacks on Shengal in August, 2014. These women were sold in slave markets mostly in ISIS occupied towns in Syria. The struggle of YPG and YPJ against ISIS has been these women’s hope as well.

YPG and YPJ rescued 150 Êzidî people, 85 of whom are women, since 2014; particularly since the beginning of Operation Wrath of Euphrates. The rescued civilians were then taken to Shengal People’s Assembly so that they can reunite with their families.

YPG and YPJ forces help rescued civilians reach Shengal through the Newroz camp in Derik, and efforts for this purpose are given together with the Women’s Council of Cizire Canton. 7 Êzidî women have reached Shengal and reunited with their families over the past month with the help of the council.

Cizire Canton Women’s Council President Emine Omer spoke to the ANF on their efforts for rescued Êzidîs.

"OUR EFFORTS ARE FOR ALL THE WOMEN RESCUED FROM ISIS "

Emine Omer stated that their efforts are for all the women rescued from ISIS, and said “We have been working together with the YPJ Foreign Relations Committee. We try to reunite rescued women with their families. First, we do research. If the rescued women is an Êzidî, we contact Shengal Women’s Council. We hand over rescued women to them so that they reunite with their families. 8 women have been thus enabled access to YPJ Women’s Council over the past month. 7 of these women were Êzidîs and one was a Syrian. We helped these women reach Shengal Women’s Assembly. We did not have any problems on this issue so far. A day after we inform them, Shengal Women’s Assembly comes here and welcome these women with great excitement because when a Êzidî women is resuced, both we and they become very happy.”

"WE ARE READY TO OFFER SUPPORT FOR THOSE THAT WISH TO STAY  WITH US"

Emine Omer stated that they have the power to employ the women rescued from ISIS and help them reintegrate in life, and said “If they want, we help them reach their families. So far, all of the women that reached us told that they want to reunite with their families immediately. They were eager to reunite with their land and families. So we offered them help on this basis. We can also provide them with all necessary means if they want to stay with us. Another Êzidî woman arrived here yesterday. We and Shengal Women’s Council will help her reunite with her family on the basis of her demand.”