Today, we were honored to host a high-level delegation from the German government and parliament, led by Mr. Frank Schwabe, Federal Commissioner for Religious Freedom, alongside Members of Parliament Ms. Derya Türk-Nachbauer and Mr. Michael Brand, who played a key role in the German Parliament’s recognition of the Yazidi genocide. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Irfan Orange from Central Rat, journalists, and representatives from the German Embassy and Consulate.
The visit was part of an official mission to observe the situation of the Yazidis in Sinjar. The delegation held meetings with representatives of civil society organizations and local activists to convey the needs and concerns of the Yazidi community under the current challenging circumstances.
As part of the visit, the delegation planted four trees as symbols of peace, love, and brotherhood among peoples:
- Mr. Schwabe planted a pomegranate tree, grown from cuttings provided by a Kakayee farmer from Halabja, recognizing the sacred significance of pomegranate in multiple religions.
- Mr. Brand planted an olive tree grown from a farm in Bashiqa, known as the “City of Brotherhood.”
- Ms. Türk-Nachbauer planted an olive tree from the village of Al-Fadhiliya, representing the Shabak community.
- Mr. Ortag planted an olive tree from cuttings from Afrin.
The delegation also visited the Yazidi Genocide Memorial and participated in a joint session organized by ZDF Forum with activists from northern and southern Sinjar to hear community perspectives.
The tour concluded with a meeting at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office, chaired by its Country Director, Mr. Giorgio, including a dialogue with six Yazidi citizens to listen directly to their experiences, challenges, and opportunities in Sinjar.