Abstract

This study aims to explore the genocide committed against the Yazidi community by ISIS, focusing on the atrocities that began in August 2014 in Sinjar, Iraq. The objective is to document the historical persecution of the Yazidis and examine these events within the legal framework of international criminal law. Adopting a qualitative methodology based on document analysis, legal reports, and international resolutions, the paper investigates the mechanisms of violence—including reproductive violence against women—as tools of ethnic and religious extermination. It also examines institutional responses, including those by the United Nations, the Iraqi government, and European institutions, assessing the legal and political limitations of both domestic and international justice systems. Notably, the study analyzes the first-ever conviction of an ISIS member for genocide by a German court, marking a significant step in international accountability. The findings reveal a persistent gap between formal recognition and effective justice, as legal and political obstacles continue to hinder comprehensive prosecution. It concludes by advocating for a victim-centered transitional justice approach that prioritizes acknowledgment, healing, and long-term support for the Yazidi community trying to contribute to the broader discourse on preventing future genocides and enhancing the effectiveness of international legal responses.