By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This month, we are spotlighting key events and inspiring stories within the Yezidi community. As Iraqi IDP camps face divestment and closure, FYF testified at the UK Parliament, joined 53 organizations urging the U.S. Attorney General to direct Lafarge asset forfeiture to victims and survivors, and rallied the Yezidi community to call on the Swiss government to recognize the Yezidi Genocide.
Amid these advocacy efforts, we celebrate personal stories of resilience. Gulizar’s passion for weaving and Fahima's journey from Sinjar to becoming a worker in FYF's Sugar is Sweet bakery exemplify the unyielding spirit of the Yezidi people.
IMPENDING IRAQI IDP CAMP DIVESTMENT AND CLOSURE
Federal Iraq's July 30th deadline to close and defund displacement camps is fast approaching. Many Yezidis fear returning home due to safety concerns, lack of reconstruction, and inadequate services in Sinjar. Women and girls, especially, are hesitant to return after experiencing enhanced agency and empowerment in displacement.
With inadequate financial support and numerous challenges in Sinjar, like job scarcity and inadequate housing, a sustainable return is not feasible. Nearing the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide, forcing Yezidis to return or risk secondary displacement is a grave injustice.
FYF TESTIFIES AT UK PARLIAMENTARY SESSION ON 10 YEARS OF THE YEZIDI GENOCIDE
Last week, FYF's Country Director and Livelihoods Manager participated in a UK Parliament session focused on the Yezidis. During the session, both women delivered speeches addressing critical issues, including the imminent divestment from northern Iraq's IDP camps, the situation in Sinjar, the plight of missing Yezidis, the closure of UNITAD, and the work of FYF.
They stressed that the Yezidi community is not a monolith; while some Yezidis wish to return to Sinjar, many prefer to remain in displacement and begin their lives anew. They highlighted the need to invest in women-led, ethical, and survivor-centered Yezidi NGOs, which are at the forefront of addressing the community's challenges.
FYF JOINS 53 CSOS AND INDIVIDUALS IN URGING U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL TO DIRECT LAFARGE ASSET FORFEITURE TO VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS
FYF has joined 53 civil society organizations and individuals in an open letter urging the US Department of Justice to direct forfeited assets from its case against Lafarge to benefit victims and survivors of underlying atrocity crimes linked to Syria.
In a press release published with the letter, I am quoted stating: "The Department of Justice has given no indication on how it will use these funds, despite having the authority and discretion to direct the funds to benefit victims of these serious crimes. Our organization, which works with Yezidi community members to help them rebuild and heal from the genocide and other atrocities they endured, asks the Attorney General to apply the same creative thinking he is applying to direct forfeited Russian funds to benefit Ukraine and ensure that our communities also have pathways to recover and heal.”
Read the full letter here.
YEZIDI COMMUNITY CALLS ON SWISS GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE YEZIDI GENOCIDE
23 Yezidi NGOs and CSOs have united in a joint statement urging the Swiss Government to formally recognize the Yezidi Genocide. This collective call follows passionate advocacy efforts by Yezidi youth and activists in Switzerland, and underscores the critical significance of acknowledgment and commemoration.
With the 10-year commemoration of the genocide looming, recognition holds unprecedented significance. It must also be accompanied by tangible commitments to foster the rebuilding and ensure the sustainable future of the Yezidi community. Read the statement here.
THREADS OF JOY: GULIZAR'S PASSION FOR WEAVING
Gulizar, a talented artisan from Khanke, Duhok, weaves custom rugs at FYF’s Enterprise and Training Center.
Gulizar’s journey has been one of resilience, navigating the challenges of ISIS’ attacks on her community. Following the Yezidi Genocide, she found purpose working alongside survivors and displaced individuals from Sinjar, building bonds and sharing stories of hope and hardship.
Gulizar’s passion for her craft remains unwavering. Crafting these carpets isn’t just a livelihood—it’s a cherished tradition she hopes will endure for generations to come.
FAHIMA: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE
Meet our baker, Fahima. Fahima is originally from Dugure village in Sinjar, where her family tended to a flourishing grove until 2014, when the looming threat of ISIS forced them to abandon everything and flee. The transition to living in Khanke IDP camp brought its own set of challenges, compounded by the separation from Fahima's father and the harsh camp conditions.
Despite these hardships, Fahima finds solace and purpose at FYF's Enterprise and Training Center, where she works in the bakery and café. FYF's support has been invaluable, but Fahima hopes for more livelihoods training to benefit others in the camp facing similar struggles.
Thank you, as always, for your steadfast support of FYF and the Yezidi community.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
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