Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we approach the 11th commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, we reflect on the lasting trauma inflicted on our community. Eleven years on, Yezidi survivors still face displacement, marginalization, and the pain of thousands still missing. Yet, they also continue to lead the way forward with courage and resilience.

This month, FYF led two key events in Washington, DC, to elevate Yezidi priorities on the international stage. By amplifying the voices of Yezidis globally, we not only honor those we lost, but also support the search for those still missing and the long process of healing. FYF remains committed to pursuing accountability in all jurisdictions where justice can be sought and providing support to survivors, in legal proceedings, when requested.

COMMEMORATING THE YEZIDI GENOCIDE ON CAPITOL HILL

Last week, FYF's Executive Director Pari Ibrahim led a coordinated Yezidi delegation of advocates and allies to commemorate the genocide at the U.S. Capitol and call for continued U.S. support for the Yezidi people.

The event featured remarks from the State Department International Religious Freedom Ambassador nominee, Mark Walker, USCIRF Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi, prominent advocate Nadine Maenza, and other friends and allies, along with powerful statements from the Yezidi community. 

In a separate meeting, the Yezidi delegation met with Congressman Abraham Hamadeh to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the Yezidi community and explore tangible steps the United States can take to support recovery, justice, and long-term resilience.

"WE, THE YEZIDI COMMUNITY ARE NOT GIVING UP. WE CANNOT MOVE ON."

FYF also joined the Atlantic Council for a discussion on the long road to justice and recovery. More than a decade after ISIS’s crimes, over 2,500 Yezidis remain missing, and survivors continue to face displacement and marginalization. National and international attention has faded, and meaningful efforts to locate the missing or rebuild Yezidi cities and towns are lacking. But justice and accountability remain crucial to ensuring that the horrors of the Yezidi Genocide are never repeated. As FYF’s Pari Ibrahim puts it:

“If you lack justice and accountability, you cannot say ‘never again’ means never again, because you are not holding anybody accountable for the crimes they actually committed.”

Watch the full event here.

FRANCE WILL PROSECUTE ISIS MEMBER FOR YEZIDI GENOCIDE

FYF welcomes a major step forward in holding ISIS perpetrators responsible for their crimes against the Yezidi people.

On July 8, 2025, the Investigating Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that French national Sonia Mejri will stand trial before the specially composed Assize Court for her alleged involvement in crimes committed against the Yezidi community, including the crime of genocide.

Ms. Sonia Mejri is accused of having joined the Islamic State and participating in its operations in Syria, where members of the Yezidi minority were subjected to systematic persecution, abduction, sexual slavery, and murder. She remains in pre-trial detention.

While the charge of crimes against humanity was not addressed by the Investigating Chamber, the question of genocide has been at the heart of lengthy legal debate. The genocide charge had initially been dismissed, but following the French Court of Cassation, the Investigating Chamber re-examined the case and ultimately ruled that sufficient evidence exists to justify her trial on this basis.

FYF, admitted as a civil party in this case and represented by Inès Davau, attorney at the Paris Bar, welcomes this development as a crucial step in holding ISIS members accountable and recognizing the specific and targeted suffering endured by the Yezidi community. This is the first case in France involving a female ISIS member being prosecuted for genocide committed against the Yezidis.

“This ruling sends a powerful message,” said FYF Executive Director Pari Ibrahim. “It acknowledges the scale and nature of the crimes committed and reflects the growing willingness of national courts to pursue justice for international crimes, including genocide. FYF is a civil party in this case to make sure that the appropriate charges are being applied and courts do not take the easy route, focusing on terror charges or other charges short of genocide.”

FYF PUBLISHES 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

We are thrilled to announce the release of FYF's 2024 Annual Report! Last year was both challenging and inspiring as we continued our mission to support Yezidi survivors, empower our community, and advocate for recovery, dignity, and a better life.

In 2024, FYF took meaningful strides in core areas of our work, including women’s empowerment, direct support to Yezidis in need, and the pursuit of justice and accountability.

Civil society globally is currently navigating dramatic shifts in global humanitarian aid and geopolitics—in the U.S., the Middle East, and beyond. FYF is proud to say that despite these challenges, we have maintained stability for our community, rooted in our commitment to implementing programs, amplifying Yezidi voices, and building a foundation for long-term recovery and justice. The road ahead is long, but we are not walking it alone.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation