The Role of Rape in the Yazidi Genocide

It was not until the 20th century that rape was explicitly set out as a distinct war crime and the concept of genocidal rape entered the international conscience. However, despite it being a codified offence, systemic rape continues to be employed as a genocidal tool with little to no consequence. The Yazidi genocide is a clear example of how mass sexual violence was used to destroy the Yazidi community with minimal repercussions felt by the perpetrating group. Through mass rape and an extensive slave trade system, the Islamic state brought about conditions that led to death, caused physical and mental harm, widespread displacement and intentional prevention of reproduction; factors that ultimately worked to destroy the Yazidi population.&nbsp