Iraqi authorities, UNITAD finish excavation of multiple mass graves
The excavation of a mass grave site near the town of Sinjar in northern Iraq. Photo: UNITAD
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi authorities, supported by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) concluded the excavation of multiple mass grave sites near the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar, according to a statement issued by the UNITAD.
The excavations were led by the Mass Graves Directorate (MGD) in cooperation with the Medico-Legal Directorate (MLD) in line with the national strategy for excavation of mass graves and the Iraqi Law on the Protection of Mass Graves, the statement explained.
The UNITAD provided support to the excavations including financial, technical, and expert support as well as necessary equipment, the statement mentioned.
In August 2014, ISIL committed atrocious crimes against the Yazidi community in Iraq, which UNITAD had deemed as amounting to genocide, the statement elaborated.
The excavation of the mass graves offers additional evidence that contributes to prove such crimes against the Yazidis, the statement illustrated.
These excavations and investigations of multiple mass graves are critical components in advancing efforts for holding ISIL perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed against the Yazidi community in Sinjar, the statement clarified.
The recovered remains were transported to MLD facilities in Baghdad to be identified, allowing for their return to the next of kin to provide their loved ones with dignified burials in accordance with religious or cultural practices, according to the statement.
The identification of the recovered remains will be carried out in accordance with international standards, and using advanced technology, including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which was provided by UNITAD to support MLD in its efforts to establish robust scientific identifications of the remains of the victims, the statement confirmed.
So far, UNITAD supported the excavation of over 40 mass graves of ISIL victims, the statement added.