Justice and Human Rights Iraq Project #29220

Justice for Yezidi / Yazidi Survivors of Genocide

by Free Yezidi Foundation

Justice for Yezidi / Yazidi Survivors of Genocide

Project Report | Mar 6, 2020
Scaling Up of Justice Activities

By Andra Weissberger | Operations Manager

Country Director and UN Delegation Khanke Camp

This program will accelerate the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of conflict-related crimes in Syria and Iraq through support to existing national and international justice and accountability mechanisms as well as the tracking of suspects and development of case files against individuals residing in friendly jurisdictions. The effort will include a focus on some of the most symbolic and sensitive offences hitherto unprosecuted, such as crimes against minorities (i.e. enslavement of Yezidi women and children by Da’esh) and sexual offences. The consortium lead is the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), whose evidentiary holdings, investigative capacity, case files and established cooperation mechanisms with national jurisdictions are unparalleled for the conflicts addressed. Program partners will bring unique experiences to merge technology solutions with medical, forensic, minority and legal expertise. Thus, the consortium is uniquely placed to deliver three mutually-reinforcing program objectives in support of the NOFO problem statement and objectives.

FYF has expanded its efforts in seeking justice for Yezidi women and girls. As of Feburary 2020 FYF has an legal team full time in Iraq consisiting of two international lawyers, a Harvard fellow, and a local Yezidi lawyer. This all women team is supporting and expanding FYF's reach in the area support the community in their understanding of justice and stregthening systems with other international actors.

On March 2, 2020 Free Yezidi Foundation center in Khanke was honored by a visit of His Excellency Adama Dieng, the United Nations Under-Secretary General and Special Advisor of the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide and Special Advisor Mr. Karim Khan from UNITAD. During the meeting many important topics were tackled, such as general issues of the survivors, exhumation of mass graves and identifications of missing persons. We would like to thank UNITAD on their efforts and support for the Yezidi community.

UN Delegation on Justice

Justice Team and UN Delegation

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Dec 31, 2019
Your Last Chance! 2019 Year-End Matching Campaign

By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director

Dec 3, 2019
Giving Tuesday!

By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director

Dear Friends,

In the United States, today is a special Tuesday, dedicated to Giving.

We ask for your help to raise $100,000 to fund FYF’s work with Yezidi women by the end of the year. Your generous contribution will go towards providing Yezidi women with skills to make them productive members of the workforce and help them to rebuild with dignity and strength.

The Free Yezidi Foundation's spaces are known as safe havens for women and children who come seeking support and kindness. To reach this point, it took a team of very strong women who are dedicated to supporting the beneficiaries through compassion and strength. One of those women is our Country Director, Hewan Omer.

Country Director Hewan and FYF graduates

Hewan was born in Sinjar, where she was raised with her 3 sisters and 5 brothers. As a little girl she always dreamed of studying English language and literature. In 2013, she enrolled in Duhok University, Department of English and Literature.

During her summer vacation of 2014, she returned to her village to visit her family. When ISIS began its genocidal campaign against Yezidis, Hewan's immediate family managed to escape from Sinjar. Unfortunately, other family members were captured by ISIS.

Despite the sorrow and pain of losing family members and friends, Hewan graduated in 2016, with her father's encouragement. She took a job as an English-language interpreter, helping to provide for her family. In June 2017, Hewan explored the possibility of a greater leadership position with a non-governmental organization. The Free Yezidi Foundation offered her a job in a leadership position. She decided to take this chance to use her language skills and commitment to her people to better support Yezidis. As she grew in ability and confidence, Hewan found her voice, building her confidence and rising to the position of Country Director. She now represents the Free Yezidi Foundation in Iraq, with support from local and international staff members.

FYF Country Director Hewan leading a meeting

Hewan has earned the respect of members of the community and is a beacon of light and hope for beneficiaries interested in seeking FYF services. Her work ethic and the care she provides Yezidi women, girls, and children is extraordinary. Along with her duties as FYF Country Director, Hewan makes an effort to spend time with beneficiaries, staff members, and men and women in the community. She is a leader at FYF and in the community, and will continue to contribute to Yezidi society.

Thank you for all the support over the last couple of years. I hope we can count on you again!

Sincerely,

- Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation

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