FYF’s Justice Manager Highlights Yezidi Struggle for Justice
On January 30, FYF’s Justice Manager, Waheeda Omer, participated as a panelist in “Survivors’ Dialogue on Truth, Trauma and Trial,” hosted by Legal Action Worldwide at the House of Europe, The Hague. The event took place on the sidelines of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings in The Gambia v. Myanmar case.
Waheeda shared the Yezidi community’s experience of genocide, ongoing displacement, and the long struggle for justice and accountability during this session. She emphasized that the genocide is not only a past crime but an ongoing reality, noting:
“Thousands of Yezidis remain displaced in IDP camps in the Kurdistan region, living in the same tents that were erected more than a decade ago. These tents are renewed yearly, often without adequate support, and many suffer from severe problems such as exposure to extreme heat, electrical hazards, and unsafe living conditions.”
Survivors, advocacy groups, lawyers, government representatives, scholars, and civil society actors gathered together at the event to promote collective advocacy and ensure survivor-centric justice.
These sessions are crucial for amplifying survivor voices, advancing accountability, and ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains grounded in the lived experiences of affected communities.
