Honor killing of Yezidi women in Germany

Harrowing to read about an ‘honor’ killing of a Yezidi / Yazidi woman, stabbed to death 15 times in the street in Germany. All Middle Eastern communities must unreservedly condemn such honor killings and violence against women in all forms. That includes our community.

In many Middle East societies, women’s rights are not properly respected. In this case, it is reported that the woman was seeking a divorce, and sadly, she was murdered by her husband. It is critical that communities in Middle East adopt international norms for women’s rights.

It is important that we as a community improve, modernize, and adopt international norms on gender issues. Women should never have to suffer any form of violence. We must all stand together to ensure that we can provide women in our community with equal rights and protection.

FYF advocates unreservedly for the rights of women and we are compelled to speak up to combat violence against women in any and all forms wherever it may occur. This Yezidi woman murdered in Germany in cold blood leaves behind two children, and this is a tragedy.

The Yezidi community will become much stronger and much more effective if we adopt international norms on gender issues. We cannot be silent on these issues. We should eradicate violence against women in all forms and at all times. No honor in ‘honor’ killing!