Advancing Justice in the UK for Yezidis

Following the successful prosecution in France, FYF and the UK Parliament’s APPG on Women, Peace, and Security, convened a meeting at the UK Parliament to advance discussions on justice and accountability for crimes committed against Yezidis. Held just one week after France’s first conviction for the Yezidi genocide, the meeting highlighted the contrast between progress in European jurisdictions and the lack of indictments or convictions in the UK related to British ISIS members.

Nearly 1,000 British citizens joined ISIS. While many were killed, approximately 400 returned to the UK. Of those, only 32 have been convicted on terrorism-related charges, and none have been held accountable for the atrocities committed against Yezidis.

FYF’s Executive Director also engaged with senior officials from the FCDO to raise these concerns and advocate for stronger legal action. The meeting brought together members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, many of whom expressed strong support for FYF’s justice efforts. FYF extends its gratitude to Baroness Fiona Hodgson for chairing the session, as well as Dr. Ewelina Ochab, the International Bar Association, Sareta Ashraph, Lord Alton, and Brendan O’Hara for their continued support.

FYF will continue advocating for the UK to follow the lead of other European states and begin prosecuting British ISIS members for the crimes they committed against Yezidis.