According to a recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, Islamic State (ISIS) militants have systematically raped hundreds of ethnic Yezidi women in northern Iraq and sold them as sex slaves or forced them to marry ISIS fighters. The report includes brutal details of a rape "lottery" used by militants as well as the kidnappings of very young girls. Victims who have managed to escape from ISIS often cannot access safe and necessary medical treatment or mental health counseling. HRW says the "horrific" sexual violence should be considered a crime against humanity.
Compiled from: Heather, Saul, Yazidi sex slaves reveal Isis militants picked who to rape in twisted ‘lottery’ in distressing accounts, The Independent (April 15, 2015); Iraq: ISIS Escapees Describe Systematic Rape, Yezidi Survivors in Need of Urgent Care, Human Rights Watch (April 15, 2015).