Human Rights Watch has called on the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government authorities to prosecute ISIS fighters for war crimes against the Yazidi minority. "Yezidi victims of human rights abuses have a right to justice, not just government declarations with no consequences," said Skye Wheeler of HRW's women's rights division. Several ISIS fighters are now in custody following recent territory gains by both the Iraqi central government and Kurdish regional authorities. But HRW says so far no authorities in Iraq are investigating or prosecuting ISIS members for war crimes or crimes against humanity. (ARA News, June 23)
A chilling account from Associated Press details the slave trade ISIS has established in its territory, exchanging captive Yazidi women for money via instant messaging. One posting intercepted by activists reads: "Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old…. Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon." The accompanying photos display girls dressed in finery, some in heavy makeup, staring somberly at the camera. (AP, July 6; AP, May 18)
