Justice for Yezidi / Yazidi Survivors of Genocide

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.

• Status on the Implementation of the Yezidi Survivors Law
• Evaluating the Progress and Impact of the Sinjar Agreement
• Ensuring Accountability for ISIL's Crimes: The Vital Role of UNITAD and Future Perspectives
• Missing Yezidis: The Imperative for a Collective and Coordinated Search and Rescue Mission
• Structural Challenges Facing Religious Minorities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

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