By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we mark the ten-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, the suffering of the Yezidi people continues. Displacement remains widespread, and the root causes of the community's persecution have yet to be addressed. In Iraq, life for Yezidis remains precarious, with many facing ongoing challenges and threats.
Despite these hardships, the resilience of the Yezidi community shines as a beacon of hope. For the first time, their struggle and strength are being recognized globally, garnering unprecedented solidarity. This international support is crucial in empowering the Yezidis to fight for their rights and justice.
Our commitment to this cause remains steadfast. The fight must continue until the Yezidis can live in peace and security. Together, we can help ensure their voices are heard and their future is safeguarded.
FYF COMMEMORATES YEZIDI GENOCIDE WITH "THEY CAME TO DESTROY US, BUT WE ENDURED" CAMPAIGN
Ten years ago, ISIS sought to destroy the Yezidi community through genocide. They tried to shatter our spirit, but we responded with mercy and love. They tried to erase our culture, but we keep it alive every day. They came to destroy us, but we endured.
FYF honors the resilience and strength of the Yezidi people. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, our community stands strong, united by our determination to rebuild and thrive.
As we mark ten years since the onset of the Yezidi Genocide, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and solidarity. Together, we move forward with hope and dignity.
FYF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEETS WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE IN HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSION ON YEZIDI RECOVERY
Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director of FYF, led a Yezidi delegation meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 23rd. This high-level meeting, held ahead of the ten-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, underscored the U.S. government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and support for the Yezidi community.
During the meeting, critical discussions focused on holding perpetrators accountable, addressing ongoing humanitarian needs, and paving the way for a brighter future for Yezidis. This engagement underscores the importance of international solidarity and support in addressing the lasting impacts of genocide and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all Yezidis.
Watch the opening minutes of the meeting here or read the State Department's press release here.
FYF, YAZDA, AND SINJAR ACADEMY RELEASE JOINT REPORT: "TEN YEARS AFTER GENOCIDE: THE YEZIDI STRUGGLE TO RECOVER AND OVERCOME"
Ten years ago, the Yezidi community faced unimaginable horrors. The genocide left deep scars, but the Yezidis have shown incredible strength and resilience in their journey to heal and rebuild. FYF’s latest report, in collaboration with Sinjar Academy and Yazda, delves into the ongoing challenges and the remarkable efforts of the Yezidi people to recover and thrive despite the odds.
This landmark report is more than a recounting of the past; it is a crucial call to action. It underscores the urgent need for continued support, justice, and recognition for the Yezidi community.
Read the full report to understand the Yezidi community’s story, honor their struggle, and discover how you can support their cause. Together, we can help ensure a brighter future for the Yezidi people.
FYF AND ATLANTIC COUNCIL CO-HOST HIGH-LEVEL EVENT: "YEZIDI GENOCIDE AND THE STRUGGLE FOR RECOVERY"
On July 29th, FYF and the Atlantic Council co-hosted a high-level event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide. The event featured notable participants, including FYF Executive Director Pari Ibrahim, Sinjar Academy President Murad Ismael, Yazda Executive Director Natia Navrouzov, Director of the Atlantic Council's Iraq Initiative Abbas Khadim, Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya, and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack, among others.
Pari Ibrahim delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the ongoing struggles of the Yezidi community, the root causes of their discrimination in Iraq, and the critical need for justice, accountability, and reconstruction. The first session of the event focused on the geopolitical issues surrounding the Yezidi crisis and the development needs essential for the community's recovery and rebuilding. The second session, attended by Pari, concentrated on the necessity of justice and ongoing humanitarian considerations.
Watch the full event here.
Pari Ibrahim also participated in an event at the Wilson Center: "The Yazidi Genocide: Ten Years & Counting," on July 30th. Watch the full event here. On August 1st, Pari will participate in an event hosted by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), focusing on "Countering the Islamic State's Gendered Violence and Minority Persecution." Watch the event here.
FYF PARTICIPATES IN HIGH-LEVEL WASHINGTON DC MEETINGS TO ADVOCATE FOR YEZIDI CAUSE
FYF also met with the U.S. Department of Defense to discuss the safety and security of the Yezidi community. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Shapiro emphasized the U.S. government's commitment to protecting Yezidis. Leadership from FYF, Yazda, and Sinjar Academy discussed key initiatives to improve security protocols and support Yezidi families. We are grateful for the Department of Defense's dedication and look forward to continued collaboration to enhance safety measures. Read more here.
The FYF-led Yezidi delegation further engaged in a series of high-level meetings with U.S. government officials, highlighting their dedication to advancing the Yezidi cause. These meetings included a productive session with Ambassador Beth Van Schaack, discussions with the White House National Security Council team, and a working-level meeting with dozens of State Department officials.
The delegation was encouraged by the high-level engagement and tangible commitments made by the U.S. government to continue supporting the Yezidi community. These interactions underscored a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Yezidis and enhancing their safety, security, and well-being. The delegation expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and looks forward to fostering continued collaboration to further the Yezidi cause.
FYF'S COUNTRY DIRECTOR ENGAGES WITH UK LEADERS TO COMMEMORATE YEZIDI GENOCIDE
Over the past week, FYF’s Country Director, Hewan Omer, participated in several UK events to highlight the urgent need for support for the Yezidis as the ten-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide approaches:
These sessions are crucial for marking this solemn anniversary and discussing necessary legal and humanitarian actions to support the Yezidi community. Let’s stand together to ensure their voices are heard.
As we commemorate ten years since the onset of the Yezidi Genocide, we must remember the individual suffering of Yezidi survivors and the families of those killed by ISIS. Each story of pain and resilience underscores the urgency of our mission. FYF and the Yezidi community remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice, ensuring the voices of victims and survivors are heard and honored.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our friends and supporters for their unwavering solidarity with the Yezidi people. Your support helps ensure that the past is not repeated and that the survivors and families of the victims are never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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