Reps. Franks and Speier Introduce Resolution Condemning Sexual Violence Against Women and Children by ISIL as Crimes Against Humanity

October 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) introduced House Resolution 447 on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 condemning the ongoing sexual violence against women and children of Yezidi, Christian and other religious communities by ISIL militants in Iraq and Syria as crimes against humanity. The resolution also calls for the United States and international community to actively pursue the investigation and prosecution of individual perpetrators and those complicit in these crimes.

The resolution was introduced shortly after a Yezidi woman identified as "Bazi" spoke before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a closed Member meeting. Bazi was taken from her village in Iraq by ISIL militants and sold into sexual slavery for $40. The young woman was held in Syria by an ISIL militant who claimed to be an American. She is in the United States with Mr. Khidher Domle — a Yezidi activist, journalist, and professor at the University of Dohuk — to discuss the plight of women and children held captive by ISIL militants.

Rep. Jackie Speier: “We cannot stand by as ISIL assembles a codified system of slavery and sexual violence. Bazi, a Yezidi woman who escaped captivity, isn’t alone in her experience—this is a heinous business enterprise, an entire ideology of rape and murder perpetrated against girls as young as five years old. The United Nations and all nations of good conscience must unite to condemn and punish these crimes against humanity.” | Contact: Barron Youngsmith (202) 225-3531

Rep. Trent Franks: “The treacherous acts of sexual violence and enslavement perpetrated by ISIL against innocent women and children cannot go unrecognized or unpunished. Bazi is one of thousands who have suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of ISIL militants. Children as young as five years old are being sold for as little as fifty cents and thousands of women and children remain in captivity. The United States and international community must resolve to hold those responsible for these insidious crimes accountable.” | Contact: Jessica Cahill (202) 225-4576

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