  Islamic State committing genocide against Yazidis, UN Syria panel says June 16, 2016 - 14:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A UN investigative panel on Syria says the Islamic State group is committing genocide and other war crimes against the Yazidi community in Iraq and Syria, and wants countries to do more to stop it, the Associated Press reports. The Council of Inquiry on Syria issued its first report Thursday, June 16 specifically looking at IS crimes against Yazidis following the group's attack on unarmed Yazidi communities in northwestern Iraq in August 2014. Many Yazidis were taken into Syria. The report says IS still holds over 3,200 Yazidi women and children. The 41-page report cited slave markets in Syria where Yazidi women and girls are sold exclusively to IS fighters. It says IS has within the last year begun holding online slave auctions with an encrypted application to circulate photos of captured Yazidi women and girls.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
