Project Report
| Oct 14, 2024
Echoes of Resilience
By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach the ten-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, it becomes increasingly imperative to direct international attention towards its ongoing impacts. Despite the passage of time, the wounds inflicted upon the Yezidi community continue to fester, with survivors grappling with profound physical, psychological, and socio-economic challenges. By shedding light on these enduring consequences, we not only honor the memory of the victims but also advocate for justice, recognition, and support for the survivors. Moreover, international attention serves as a catalyst for fostering greater understanding of the complexities surrounding religious and ethnic minority persecution, thereby galvanizing efforts to prevent such atrocities in the future. By amplifying the voices of Yezidi survivors and elevating their plight on the global stage, we reaffirm our collective commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that the lessons learned from the Yezidi Genocide are heeded and acted upon.
FYF PARTICIPATES IN U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT LAUNCH
FYF had the honor of participating in the U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom annual report launch, led by the State Department’s International Religious Freedom office. The event saw the gathering of several religious minority representatives, including our Executive Director, Pari Ibrahim.
During the event, Secretary Blinken and Pari Ibrahim engaged in a meaningful dialogue on justice and accountability concerns, particularly in light of UNITAD’s closure. Secretary Blinken highlighted his awareness of the Yezidi community’s plight and reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting Yezidis.
Pari expressed the Yezidi community’s profound appreciation for the continuous support from the U.S. Government, not only during the dire times of 2014 but also in the subsequent years, aiding the community’s recovery after the genocide. Read more about the event here.
FYF PUBLISHES FIVE COMPREHENSIVE REPORTS IN LEAD UP TO AUGUST 3RD
As we approach the 10-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, FYF is publishing five comprehensive reports on critical issues affecting the Yezidi community. These reports cover the Yezidi Survivors Law, missing Yezidis, mass graves and UNITAD's impending closure, the Sinjar Agreement, and structural challenges facing religious minorities in Iraq. Click the links below to access these in-depth analyses, aimed at shedding light on the ongoing struggles and resilience of the Yezidi people.
FYF AND THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL CO-HOST YEZIDI GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION EVENT IN WASHINGTON, DC
We invite you to join us on July 29th for the public event: "Yezidi Genocide and the Struggle for Recovery," cohosted by the Free Yezidi Foundation and the Atlantic Council's Iraq Initiative. This hybrid event will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide and highlight policy options to empower the Yezidi community, emphasizing the critical and unique role of the United States.
Yezidi civil society leaders, U.S. officials, and Iraq experts will discuss progress, setbacks, and next steps. The dialogue will explore how the international community can support the Yezidi people in their journey toward healing and justice.
We encourage you to join this event to gain a deeper understanding of the Yezidi Genocide and support ongoing recovery efforts. Your participation is vital to raising awareness and driving change.
July 29 | 9:00 AM ET
Register here: https://bit.ly/FYFACEvent
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS COMMEMORATING THE YEZIDI GENOCIDE
Join us in honoring the resilience and remembering the suffering of the Yezidi community through a series of upcoming events marking the 10-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide:
- July 23, Roundtable in the IPU Room on 10th Anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide - The Path Towards Justice and Accountability, Westminster Hall, House of Parliament (3-5 PM UK time, in person and online): FYF Country Director, Hewan Omer, will participate in a discussion reflecting on the Yezidi Genocide a decade later, including recommendations for the UK government to take forward. Link to join the event online.
- July 24, London School of Economics' Summer of Research Culture Series III: Exploring the Impact of the WPS agenda in Conflict-Affected Settings (11-3 PM UK time, in person and online): FYF Country Director, Hewan Omer, will discuss "What are the remaining implementation gaps for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda for women living in conflict-affected contexts?" focusing on Iraq and the Yezidi community. Link to join the event online.
- July 30, Wilson Center's Report Launch | The Yazidi Genocide: Ten Years & Counting (10 AM ET): FYF Executive Director, Pari Ibrahim, will attend the launch of a crucial report on the Yezidi Genocide, providing insights into the ongoing challenges and the path forward. Register here.
These events offer an opportunity to deepen understanding and drive action for justice and support for the Yezidi people.
Note: Keep an eye on FYF's social media pages (links below) over the next two weeks. Our team will be actively participating in various events, high-level meetings, and publications to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide. Stay tuned for updates and insights.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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Oct 14, 2024
Uplifting Those Most Vulnerable
By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we commemorate World Refugee Day and International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we reflect on the ongoing struggles and resilience of the Yezidi community. Our commitment to justice and healing is showcased in FYF’s newly published report on the Yezidi Survivors Law (YSL), highlighting the critical steps toward securing rights and support for survivors. Additionally, we are excited to share our 2023 Annual Report, which details the remarkable progress and impact we’ve made in 2023, along with our ambitious vision for the future.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY - SPOTLIGHTING DISPLACED YEZIDIS
On World Refugee Day, we spotlighted the ongoing struggles of internally displaced Yezidis in Iraq. Even a decade after the genocide, many Yezidis remain in camps, enduring limited access to essential services and inadequate shelter. This situation demands our immediate attention and action.
Our women and community-led NGO is dedicated to providing holistic recovery programs designed to empower the most vulnerable among these displaced populations. We work tirelessly to address their comprehensive needs, offering support that fosters healing and resilience.
We urge the Iraqi government and the international community to take swift and decisive action to ensure that Yezidis do not suffer from secondary displacement and can rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
During the 2014 Yezidi Genocide, thousands of Yezidi women and girls were subjected to sexual slavery, with many still missing to this day. This stark reality underscores the urgent need to address sexual violence in conflict zones — a global crisis that continues to demand our attention and action.
Stand in solidarity with Yezidi survivors like Fawyzia. By supporting survivor-centered aid organizations, advocating for justice, and spreading awareness, we can amplify the voices of survivors and ensure their needs are addressed.
At FYF, we work closely with survivors to address their holistic needs in tangible and sustainable ways. Our programs focus on trauma recovery, education, economic empowerment, and legal aid, ensuring that each survivor receives comprehensive support to rebuild their lives.
FYF AND LEITNER HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC PUBLISH COMPREHENSIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY ON YEZIDI SURVIVORS LAW
We are pleased to announce the publication of our report in collaboration with the Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic at the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice, Fordham University School of Law.
The report, titled "Strengthening Implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law: Recommendations Based on International and Comparative Best Practices," offers detailed recommendations and insights to enhance the effectiveness of the YSL. Our goal is to ensure justice and support for Yezidi survivors through informed, inclusive, and survivor-centered implementation.
Read the full report here.
FYF PUBLISHES 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
We are thrilled to announce the release of FYF's 2023 Annual Report! This detailed document highlights the incredible work we accomplished in 2023, from empowering Yezidi survivors through holistic support services to advocating for justice and sustainable development in their communities.
In 2023, our dedicated team made significant strides in providing protection and mental healthcare, legal aid, rights awareness, educational opportunities, and economic empowerment to those most in need. Our report not only reflects on these achievements but also outlines our bold visions for the future. We are committed to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to stand with the Yezidi community in the journey towards healing and resilience.
We invite you to explore our 2023 Annual Report to see the profound difference we are making together. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this vital work.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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Jun 27, 2024
Advocacy and Resilience
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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