Press

All news articles that mention the Free Yezidi Foundation are posted here.

Searching for a specific article? Please click on the year that the article was published.

 

“There are dozens of mass graves in Sinjar yet to be exhumed, and the fate of thousands is still unknown to their families. Until they know for sure, they cannot start the grieving process. It’s like a wound that festers.” 

Yesim Arikut-Treece, Clinical Psychologist, Free Yezidi Foundation
 
The Guardian ‘Still Going Through Hell’: the Search for Yazidi Women Seven Years On. 
 

“Since the Yazidi Genocide was caused by entrenched racism and discrimination against our people, our community rightly fears an Islamic State resurgence and an uncertain future.”

Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director, Free Yezidi Foundation
 
Washington Post | Seven Years After the Genocide, Yezidis Are Still Waiting for Justice.
 
2024

January 2024

  • Rudaw| This article mentions FYF’s new English Access Microscholarship Program in Sheikhan.
2023

August 2023

  • Carnegie | This article quotes FYF’s Executive Director Pari Ibrahim on FYF’s joint statement calling for 1% of Iraq’s annual budget to rebuild Sinjar.
  • Kurdistan24 |  This article quotes FYF’s Executive Director Pari Ibrahim on FYF’s joint statement calling for 1% of Iraq’s annual budget to rebuild Sinjar.
  • Kurdishpeace |  This article quotes FYF’s Executive Director Pari Ibrahim on FYF’s joint statement calling for 1% of Iraq’s annual budget to rebuild Sinjar.
  • Medyanews | This article quotes FYF’s joint statement calling for 1% of Iraq’s annual budget to rebuild Sinjar.
  • Kurdistan24  | This article quotes FYF’s Executive Director Pari Ibrahim on the UK’s recognition of the Yezidi Genocide.

May 2023

  • Arte TV | Yezidis in Iraq: After the Genocide | This news piece includes interviews with FYF’s Country Director and livelihoods staff.
  • El Pais  |  A hate campaign against Yazidis goes viral and revives fear of a new massacre  | This article quotes FYF’s statement on the rise of anti-Yezidi rhetoric in Iraq.

February 2023

Gatestone Institute The Newswashing of ISIS Bride Shamima Begum | This article includes FYF’s analysis of female ISIS members.

Ezidi24 A Victory for the Yezidi Cause: A Dutch Trial Opens the Door for Calls for Internationalization | The article (in Arabic) reviews the court case of Hasna A. in the Netherlands, quoting the FYF statement.

Kurdistan24 Dutch to Prosecute First ISIS Female Suspect for Enslaving Yezidis | This article quotes FYF’s statement on the first such case in the Netherlands.

January 2023

Independent Catholic News | Turkey: Calling Erdogan’s Bluff | FYF board member Rebecca Tinsley authored this piece, which also quotes FYF on the location of missing Yezidis.

Kurdistan24 | German Parliament Formally Recognizes Genocide against Yezidis | This article quotes the FYF reaction to Germany’s genocide recognition.

2022

October 2022

Opsporing Verzocht | Nederlandse IS’ers verdacht van genocide Yezidi’s | FYF contributed to the Netherlands’ police tip line and public request for information regarding crimes committed by Dutch members of ISIS against Yezidis.

The Gatestone Institute | ISIS Terrorists Living in Turkey – with Yezidi Captives | This article includes FYF’s perspective on missing Yezidis, including those rescued in Turkey, and the responsibility of the international community to assist with identification and rescue of missing Yezidis.

Kurdistan 24 Dutch Prosecutors Ask for Witnesses of ISIS Crimes against Yezidis  | FYF was quoted in this piece, which reviews the new Dutch public request for information about Dutch ISIS perpetrators.

August | 2022

Newsweek | Yazidi Post-Genocide Plight – Severe Challenges Eight Years on – Opinion | Pari Ibrahim and Murad Ismael discuss the extensive challenges which continue to plague Yezidis

The Jerusalem Post | Remembering the Yezidi Genocide eight years ago – By Pari Ibrahim and  Susan Heller Pinto | The Yezidi experience has ongoing significance for the Middle East and the region’s other religious minorities

The National Interest | Eight Years After Genocide, the World Owes the Yezidis a Debt – by Megan Bodette and Pari Ibrahim | The international community must commit to empowering Yezidis to build a safe, sustainable post-ISIS future with the same vigor deployed in defeating ISIS

U.N. Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence and Conflict | SRSG Patten’s Video Remarks for the Free Yezidi Foundation’s Eight-Year Commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide, 3 August 2022  |  “… we have a special thought for those from your community that remain missing … I and the entire United Nations system stand with you.”

United States Institute of Peace | Five Ways to Make the U.S. Atrocity Prevention Strategy Work | While real challenges remain, the strategy represents important progress. FYF was thanked for our essential work along with our partners in this work.

The Mirror | Inside horror camp women and children are still stuck in 8 years after ISIS massacre | Pari Ibrahim cites the trauma, desperation and seeing no hope for the future as one of the reasons suicide rates are alarmingly high

Middle East Eye | Iraq: Dutch police seek information on perpetrators of Islamic State crimes against Yazidis | At a panel sponsored by FYF, the discussion focused on the hunt for Dutch nationals or those residing in The Netherlands involved in genocide comes as Yazidis commemorate eighth anniversary of mass killings in Iraq

Medya News | Eight Year Commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide online event | FYF’s series of four online panels addressed ongoing work to achieve justice for the victims of the Yezidi genocide, rights for the genocide survivors, Yezidi’s current situation in Sinjar, and the geo-political situation that exists in the Sinjar region, including the issues in relation to the Sinjar Agreement and the ongoing Turkish drone attacks on Yazidi survivors

K24 | US Deputy Assistant Secretary underlines need to implement Sinjar agreement | Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran, Jennifer Gavito, stresses the need for the implementation of the Sinjar agreement and armed groups to be removed from Sinjar

K24 | Turkish drone attack kills SDF member in Assyrian village | “The United States is not supportive of Turkish actions in northern Iraq or northern Syria,” said Douglas Hoyt, the Acting Deputy Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, at an event hosted by FYF

July | 2022

The Sunday Times (UK) | Kidnapped, drugged, and forced to fight: the forgotten child victims of ISIS | Eight years after ISIS killed and captured thousands of Yezidis, more than half the population are still in camps. Most forgotten of all are the Yezidi boys who were forced to join ISIS.

Toward Freedom | Yazidis in limbo as Iraqi forces and armed militants fight in northern Iraq | Amid chaos, Yazidi women can be found learning skills at the Enterprise & Training Center (ETC) run by the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF).

The Spectator – Australia | Labor to ‘rescue’ ISIS brides? | This article quotes FYF regarding the crimes committed by female ISIS members.

FORB Women’s Alliance Genocide’s lingering tragedy: the 8th anniversary of Yazidi sorrow | The FORB Women’s Alliance includes reference to the Free Yezidi Foundation to mark the 8th year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide.

The Catholic World Report | Women worldwide face sex-based religious persecution | At the recent International Religious Freedom Summit held in Washington, D.C., FYF joined other human rights advocates to speak about persecution of religious minorities.

June | 2022

Fair Planet | Haunted by genocide, displaced Yezidis demand justice | Naomi Prodeau, an FYF lawyer, says that many Yezidis still suffer from trauma in the aftermath of the genocide.

Kurdistan 24 Displaced Yezidi woman commits suicide in Zakho | “Yezidis have suffered from trauma and elevated rates of suicide ideation and actually committing suicide for the last years since the Yezidi Genocide … ” said FYF ED and Founder, Pari Ibrahim.

May | 2022

AD.NL | Minister Yesilgoz bezoekt Irak om IS-terroristen voor het gerecht te krijgen | FYF met the Dutch Minister of Justice in her visit to Iraq to explore the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of ISIS atrocities.

Rudaw Over 3,000 people flee Shingal due to latest clashes | Ongoing clashes between the Iraqi army and YBS members in Shingal have led to the displacement of thousands of residents to the nearby province of Duhok.

PAL NWS | Barjas Hazm – woordvoerder jezidi’s in Litouwen: “Door de eeuwen heen heeft ons volk al 74 genocides meegemaakt” | A group of about 400 Yazidis have unsuccessfully applied for asylum in Lithuania. They fled Iraq and are now in detention centers awaiting refugee assistance.

Kurdistan 24 | Yezidi organization permitted to file lawsuit against French company | FYF has officially been permitted by French judicial authorities to join in the lawsuit against the French multinational company, Lafarge.

Kurdistan 24 | Property damage prevents the return of Sinjaris | Clashes erupted again between the Iraqi army and a local Yezidi group, forcing over 10,260 people from their homes, many for the second or third time.

Apr | 2022

Impact Entrepreneur Magazine Yezidi Women Learn, Earn, and Thrive — Creating a thriving community-based enterprise | Feature article about FYF’s carpet factory within our ETC, discussing how Yezidi women are learning to be entrepreneurs and develop business acumen

Mar | 2022

MANARA Magazine Addressing the Challenges Facing Iraq’s Yazidi Community in 2022 | FYF is quoted on our ongoing work to support survivors with professional clinical psychologists.

Gatestone Institute | Turkey Committing War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity – Again | FYF’s Executive Director discusses the ongoing bombings perpetrated by Turkey.

Kurdistan 24  Civil society organizations warn Yezidi Survivors Law needs more financial support | FYF participated in the press conference in Baghdad hosted by The Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR), discussing the first anniversary of the Yezidi Survivors Law.

PAL News The Yazidis who survived ISIS are now being killed by Turkey | FYF Executive Director discusses the traumatic effects on Turkish bombings on Yezidis trying to return to rebuild their lives.

Feb | 2022

Al Monitor Islamic State Leader’s Death Brings Little Solace to Iraq’s Suffering Yazidis | FYF’s Executive Director is quoted in this article on Yezidi reactions to Qurayshi’s death.

Rudaw  | Yazidis Welcome Death Of ‘Driving Force’ Behind ISIS Genocide, Call For Greater Support | FYF’s comments on the death of the ISIS leader are included in this comprehensive article.

Rudaw | Iraqi Premier Applauds Killing of ISIS Leader | FYF is also quoted in this article on Iraqi reactions to Qurayshi’s death.

K24 | Dutch parliament debates prosecution of ISIS crimes with focus on Yezidis | FYF commented, “It is important that governments support Yezidi civil society – led by Yezidis ourselves – if we are serious about justice, accountability, and recovery in a sustainable [fashion].”

Arab News | Why Yazidi survivors of Daesh enslavement and their children are stuck in limbo in Iraq | FYF’s Executive Director is quoted, commenting on the difficulty faced by these women and their children, and FYF’s commitment to stand in the gap. 

Jan | 2022

DeMorgen | Zweden En Frankrijk Gaan Samenwerken Voor Vervolging Genocide Jezidi’s | FYF is quoted in this Belgian article on the establishment of a French-Swedish team to prosecute perpetrators of the Yezidi genocide.

Kurdistan 24 | Sweden and France set up joint investigation team for crimes against Yezidis | FYF is quoted, saying: “This is a very important initiative by the EU. It is a little bit late, to be totally honest, but it is a good step.”

2021

December | 2021

Kurdistan24 Yezidi Activists Praise German Conviction of ISIS Member For Genocide, Stressing Legal Significance | Our thoughts are included in this piece on the sentencing of Taha al-Jumailly to life in prison for his role in the Yezidi genocide.

Kurdistan24 Alleged Turkish Strike Targets Sinjar for Second Time in a Week | FYF thoughts are included in this article on Turkish airstrikes in Sinjar. 

Rudaw | Suspected Turkish warplanes target Shingal twice in five days | Our perspective on Turkey’s attacks on Sinjar was also covered by Rudaw.

Rudaw | HDP condemns murder of Yazidi commander in Shingal | FYF is quoted in this article on the murder of a Yezidi military commander in a Turkish airstrike.

Rudaw | Kurdish Leaders Welcome German Court’s Sentencing of ISIS Member To Life Imprisonment | Our thoughts are included in this piece on al-Jumailly case.

November | 2021

Middle East Eye | Distraught Yazidi Survivors Return From Belarus to Kurdistan | FYF is quoted in this article on Yezidis returning to Iraq from Belarus after a harrowing experience stuck on the border with Poland. 

Amnesty International – Germany | Weltweit Erstes Urteil Wegen Volkermordes an Jesid_Innen | FYF is quoted in this piece by Amnesty International – Germany regarding the genocide conviction of Taha A.J. 

LSE | Increasing Calls To Find Missing Yazidis | Knox Thames, former State Department advisor for religious minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia, highlights ongoing efforts to find missing Yezidis, including the work of FYF.

Inkstick Finding Missing Yezidis | In this op-ed, FYF discusses the challenges behind finding missing Yezidis, and the need for international support. 

October | 2021

Forbes | The Missing Yazidi Women and Children Must Be Located and Rescued | This article discusses the effort, co-led by FYF, to mount a serious campaign to rescue missing Yezidis.

Forbes How Activists, Including Nobel Winner Nadia Murad, Are Advocating For Missing Women And Children | FYF’s advocacy for missing women and children is mentioned in this article.

The New Statesman | Massacred by Islamic State, Yazidis Now Face Turkish Airstrikes | Turkey has repeatedly bombed Sinjar in the past year. FYF is quoted expressing the impact this has on the Yezidi community.

US Institute of Peace | Why Is There No Global Effort To Find The Missing Yezidis? | |n this article, Knox Thames, former State Department advisor for religious minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia, argues the international community needs to do more to find missing Yezidis. 

Kurdistan24 | Yezidis Welcome Statement Of ‘Great Concern’ By 18 Nations On Missing Captives | FYF is quoted in this article, published following a joint statement from 18 countries on missing Yezidi women and children.

Kurdistan24 German ISIS Wife Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail | FYF is quoted in this Kurdistan24 piece on the Jennifer Wenisch case in Munich. 

Rudaw | Yazidi Organisations Welcome German Court Sentence of ISIS Woman to 10 Years | FYF was also featured in Rudaw’s article on the Wenisch case. 

September | 2021

Coalition for Genocide Response | Join the Initiative to #BringBackYazidis | The letter to world leaders, co-authored by FYF, is featured here.

UN Women Learning from Practice Brief Series: Issue No. 4 | This is a policy brief from UN Women that includes the experiences and lessons learned from a number of UN grantees, including FYF.

De Morgen | Hoe de IS-genocide op jezidi’s positie van de vrouw heft veranderd. ‘Nu ben ik de kostwinner’. | This is an article in a Belgian newspaper (in the Flemish language) featuring the FYF Enterprise & Training Center and the challenges facing Yezidi women.

Kurdistan24 | UN Appoints New Head of Investigative Body for ISIS war crimes | FYF is quoted in this article regarding the new Head of UNITAD.

Kurdistan24 | 80 Organizations, Experts Urge Rescue of Yezidis Still Missing after Being Kidnapped by ISIS | FYF is featured in this article regarding the effort to prompt rescue for missing Yezidis.

Kurdistan24 | Petition Calls on Germany to Formally Recognize Yezidi Genocide | This article quotes FYF in highlighting the importance of genocide recognition as a necessary first step toward recovery and justice.

August | 2021

Washington Post Seven Years After the Genocide, Yezidis Are Still Waiting for Justice | This is an op-ed by FYF’s Pari Ibrahim and Sinjar Academy’s Murad Ismael to mark seven years since the Yezidi Genocide.

NRC Handelsblad Geef Yezidi Slachtoffers van IS-terreur Gerechtigheid | This is an op-ed in the Dutch newspaper NRC by FYF’s Pari Ibrahim and FYF advisor Simon Minks on justice and the importance of prosecutions in the aftermath of genocide and mass atrocity crimes.


The Guardian | ‘Still Going Through Hell’: the Search for Yazidi Women Seven Years On | This article quotes FYF on the efforts to identify and rescue the missing Yezidi women and girls and the psychological impact on families with missing members.


Newsweek Yazidi Genocide Survivors Still Suffering 7 Years Later | This opinion piece cites FYF’s 3 August 2021 recommendations and the need to identify and rescue missing Yezidis seven years later.


El Independiente El Incómodo Silencio de España en el Genocidio Yazidí a Manos del Estado Islámico | This article in Spain’s El Independiente addresses the importance of genocide recognition by national parliaments, such as Spain, and quotes FYF.


Telegraaf | Nederlandse Jezidi’s Jagen op IS-vrouwen: ‘Ze Maakten Slavinnen Klaar Voor Verkrachting’ | This article in the Dutch newspaper is an exclusive interview with FYF’s Executive Director to mark the seven-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide.


Religious Freedom & Business Foundation Auction Supporting the Free Yezidi Foundation’s Enterprise & Training Center | The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation created this auction to benefit FYF in August to remember the Yezidi Genocide seven years ago.


Grand Challenges Canada | UK and Canada Team Up to Support Youth Mental Health Projects Worldwide | FYF has received a grant from Grand Challenges Canada to help provide mental health support and skills training to Yezidi youth in IDP camps, as highlighted in this announcement.


Algemeen Dagblad Zeven Jaar na Genocide op Jezidi’s: ‘Breng Nederlandse Daders voor de Rechter’ | This article in the Dutch newspaper overviews the crimes committed against Yezidis and the need for justice, with quotes from FYF.


Office of the SRSG – Sexual Violence in Conflict | Belgian parliament committee recognizes Yezidi genocide | This is the statement of UN SRSG Pramila Patten that was presented at the FYF seven-year commemoration on 3 August 2021.


Telegraaf Aandacht voor Krokodillentranen van IS-vrouwen Gaat Maar Door | This article in a Dutch newspaper focuses on female European ISIS members, and their ‘crocodile tears’, with reference to FYF’s research into female ISIS members.


The New Arab | Slowly Not Surely: Reconstruction Lags in Sinjar Seven Years after Yazidi Genocide | This article quotes FYF and others on the challenges in reconstruction of Sinjar.


URI Europe | Webinar “After Genocide – the Yezidis Recovery from Religious Persecution” | FYF Country Director Hewan Omer participated in a virtual discussion about the situation facing Yezidis and next steps toward recovery.


Ms. Magazine | Ms. Global | This global recap highlights the FYF effort to draw attention to the missing Yezidi women and girls on the commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide.


International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism | Five Years of Airstrikes: Turkish Aggression and International Silence in Sinjar, 2017-2021 | This article focuses on Turkish airstrikes in Sinjar and its destabilizing impact on the Yezidi population.


Zoryan Institute | Seven Years On: Commemorating the Yazidi Genocide | This article is a series of three interviews about the Yezidi Genocide, its aftermath, and what needs to be done for the Yezidi people.

Stand League | When a Fashion Leader Reaches Out to Stop Religious Genocide | This article features the efforts of Kathy Ireland to promote religious tolerance, including reference to FYF’s 2-3 August event.


SBS Australia | Seven Years since ISIS’ Attack on Yezidis, over Two Thousand Women, Girls Still Missing | This audio interview with FYF reviews challenges, progress, and next step for Yezidi recovery, as well as the importance of commemoration and solidarity on 3 August.


Rudaw | Yazidis Criticize Government Inaction on Eve of Genocide Anniversary | This article reviews the issues raised by Yezidi organizations, highlighting the lack of progress for Yezidi recovery since the genocide.


Kurdistan24 | Yezidis Call for Mission to Find Missing Women on 7th Anniversary of Genocide | Yezidi organizations, including FYF, call for international mission to help rescue missing Yezidi women.

Kurdistan24 | Few Yezidis have returned to Sinjar since 2014 ISIS takeover, 2,736 remain kidnapped: KRG  | This article highlights the missing Yezidis and the need to conduct a rescue mission.

Kurdistan24 | Dutch Looking to Improve Agriculture in Sinjar: Ambassador | The Netherlands articulated its interest to help support agriculture in and around Sinjar, as mentioned by the Dutch Consul at FYF’s panel event.

July 2021

Kurdistan24 | Dutch parliament formally recognizes Yezidi genocide. FYF is quoted in this article expressing appreciation for the genocide recognition resolution passed by the Netherlands Parliament.

Rudaw | Netherlands, Belgium officially recognize Yazidi genocide. This article quotes FYF on the efforts to support genocide recognition resolutions in Belgian and Netherlands Parliaments.

Religious Freedom Institute | Strategies to Build Peace from the Ground Up: Protecting Religious Diversity, Coexistence, and Cultural Heritage in Iraq. The Religious Freedom Institute held a virtual conversation, including an FYF speaker, to discuss Iraqi diversity and promote religious coexistence (video recording available at the link).

PUK Media | Belgian parliament recognizes ISIS crimes against Yezidi as genocide. The article addresses the vote of the Belgian Parliament to formally recognize the Yezidi Genocide.

Kurdistan24 | Belgian parliament votes to recognize ISIS crimes against Yezidis as genocide. This article reviews the Belgian Parliament vote to recognize the Yezidi Genocide.

Kurdistan24 | Belgian parliament votes to recognize ISIS crimes against Yezidis as genocide. This article reviews the Belgian Parliament vote to recognize the Yezidi Genocide.

 

June 2021

Washington Post | Fire burns through Yazidi displacement camp seven years after ISIS genocide. This article discusses the tragic Sharya fire, quoting FYF psychologist Mayan Hussein about the psychological implications of such tragedies.

Al Jazeera | Iraq’s reparations law for Yezidi survivors is a positive step. This article reviews the Yezidi Survivors’ Law and Iraqi civil society organizations’ (including FYF) recommendations for efficient and survivor-centered implementation.

Kurdistan24 | New upgraded shelters in camp for displaced Yezidis after fire. This article discusses the response to the Sharya fire, quoting FYF Executive Director Pari Ibrahim regarding common sense steps UN agencies can take to provide safer housing.

North Press Agency | Ethnic cleansing of Yezidis continues in Turkish-occupied Syria, say activists and experts. This article reviews the May 19th Wilson Center event, where panelists discussed the fate of religious and ethnic minorities in northern Syria.

May 2021

North Press Agency | Ethnic cleansing of Yezidis continues in Turkish-occupied Syria, say activists and experts. This article reviews the May 19th Wilson Center event, where panelists discussed the fate of religious and ethnic minorities in northern Syria.

Rudaw | Yezidis call for action to bring home loved ones kidnapped by ISIS. This article quotes FYF about the renewed international campaign to account for the almost 3,000 Yezidis who remain missing after being abducted by ISIS in 2014.

 

April 2021

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | Pursuing Justice for Mass Atrocities: Lessons from the Yezidi Experience. FYF contributed this blog post as part of a series to mark the publication of the US Holocaust Museum’s new handbook about the pursuit of justice in response to atrocities.

The Armenian Institute – UK  | Resilience & Recovery after Genocide: The Yezidi Community between War and Self-Organization. FYF participated in this panel discussion about the Yezidi Genocide, its aftermath, current and future needs, and reference to the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

March 2021

Al-Monitor | Iraq passes law addressing women survivors of Yazidi genocide. This article highlights the new bill, discussing broader security concerns and quoting FYF.

Gatestone Institute | Iraq: Turkey Set to Attack the Yazidis?  This article discusses the threat of Turkish incursion into Sinjar, quoting FYF.

Kurdistan24 | Iraq’s parliament ratifies survivor law in major recognition of Yezidi genocide. This article, quoting FYF, highlights the recently passed Survivors’ Bill, including compensation and pension stipulations.

Religious Freedom and Business Foundation | Call for businesses to raise awareness of modern-day genocide. This campaign highlights opportunities for business leaders to advance FYF’s post-genocide reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

February 2021

The Jerusalem Post | Yazidis denounce Syrian ruling requiring them to follow Islamic law. A recent ruling in Syria strips the indigenous Yezidi population of fundamental religious freedoms. FYF is quoted regarding the dangers of subjecting Yezidis to Muslim religious courts.

Kurdistan24 | Hopelessness, continued displacement lead to spike in suicides among Yezidis: KRG. FYF mental health and psychosocial support paraprofessionals are quoted in this article highlighting  increased suicide numbers among the displaced Yezidi population.

 

January 2021

Lawfare Blog | Negotiating Peace in Iraq’s Disputed Territories: Modifying the Sinjar Agreement. This article includes the Free Yezidi Foundation’s comments on the inclusion of the Yezidi community on decision-making processes related to Sinjar.

USAID | Advocating for Gender Sensitive Negotiation in Northern Iraq. This article describes a USAID-funded project implemented in Sheikhan by the Free Yezidi Foundation.

Rudaw | ‘We Need Help’: Suicides Spike at Duhok’s Camps for Yazidis. The increase in suicides and suicide attempts among the Yezidi community is reaching a crisis point; this article includes FYF comments and analysis on trauma treatment and recovery.

The Media Line | Techfugees Data Hub Live Session – Rebuilding Cities in Iraq. Techfugees hosted FYF in an online session about the experience of Yezidis in Iraq and next steps in rebuilding the community.

Kurdistan24 | Some Yezidi Survivors Still Fear Returning Home to Sinjar. The Free Yezidi Foundation is quoted in this article regarding the need for support to Yezidi survivors returning from ISIS captivity, including those with children born from rape.

2020

December 2020

RED | De Free Yezidi Foundation probeert hoop te bieden. This article (in Dutch) outlines the Free Yezidi Foundation activities and its impact on its beneficiaries.

Kurdistan24 | Prominent Yezidi Activist Ido Baba Sheikh Dies from COVID-19. This article quotes Yezidi leaders and organizations, including the Free Yezidi Foundation, in lamenting the passing of Ido Baba Sheikh.

November 2020

Al-Monitor | Indiana Woman Gets 6 Years in Prison after Smuggling Cash for the Islamic State. This article quotes FYF comments on the Elhassani case.

Kurdistan-24 | Yezidis Suspicious over Syrian Opposition Leader Visit to Town in Afrin. This article includes comments from FYF on the situation of Yezidis in Afrin.

El Periodico | la Lucha del pueblo Yazidi seis anos despues del genocidio. This article (in Spanish) includes excerpts of an interview with the FYF Executive Director on post-genocide recovery.

Kurdistan24 | Yezidis Official in KRG Responsible for rescuing Yezidi Awarded with Sergio Vieira De Mello Prize.  This article includes the FYF position on continued efforts to rescue kidnapped Yezidis.

October 2020

Al-Monitor | Yazidi Spiritual Leader Baba Sheikh Dies At 87. The article quotes the FYF statement on the passing of Baba Sheikh.

Rudaw | Tributes Paid to Yezidi Spiritual Leader Laid to Rest in Shekhan. The article quotes the FYF statement on the passing of Baba Sheikh.

Ad.NL | IS-Slachtoffers Zijn Woedend Over Nederlands Toneelstuk Over Syriegangster Laura H. The article (in Dutch) highlights the FYF statement on the glorification and platform of convicted terror accomplice Laura H.

Ezidi24 | Conviction of ISIS Member Omaima Abdi in Germany. The article reproduces the FYF statement on the conviction of Omaima Abdi.

Kurdistan24 | Yezidi Group Infuriated by Dutch Play Allegedly Glorifying ISIS Convict. The article highlights the Free Yezidi Foundation complaints about the glorification of ISIS members or accomplices.

Rudaw | German Woman Sentenced to Prison for ISIS Membership, Enslavement of Yezidi Girl. The article includes a quote from earlier FYF reports on the culpability of female ISIS members.

MedyaNews | Repeating Old Mistakes in Sengal Won’t Break the Chain.  The article includes a reference to FYF’s thread on the private nature of the details of the agreement.

Kurdistan-24 | KRG and Baghdad Reach Administrative, Security Agreement on Sinjar. The article includes a quote from the Free Yezidi Foundation about the Shingal agreement.

Rudaw | Erbil-Baghdad Deal on Shingal Will Recruit Locals into Security Forces: Spokesperson. The article includes a quote from the Free Yezidi Foundation about the Shingal agreement.

Augest 2020

National Interest| “We’ve Lost a Generation.” Will Anyone Protect the Yezidi Survivors of ISIS Genocide?  FYF’s panel discussions prompted this story about genocide, recovery, and security.

Amnesty International | Iraq: Yezidi Child Survivors of ‘Islamic State’ Facing Unprecedented Health Crisis. FYF contributed extensively to this Amnesty International report, which examines the impact of the genocide on various aspects of Yezidi society, with a focus on Yezidi children.

Al Monitor | Six Years After Yazidi Massacre, US Urged to Take Bolder Action. This article included reflections from FYF panel speakers on security and the role of foreign governments to support Yezidi recovery.

Jerusalem Post | On Yezidi Genocide Anniversary, Failure to Support Survivors Decried.  FYF panel discussion content contributed to an article about the broader matters of genocide recovery and parallels to the Holocaust.

Daily News Hungary | Hungary Supports Repatriation of Yazidi Refugees Genocide.  A member of Hungary’s Cabinet joined the FYF panel, prompting this article about Hungarian support for Yezidi recovery.

CGTN | Home-coming: Forgotten ISIL Victims Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place. This article was written as a result of interviews with CGTN journalists regarding the impact of COVID on those in challenging environments, with a focus on Yezidi IDPs.

June 2020

Al Monitor | ‘An insult to women’ everywhere: Afrin kidnappings prompt calls for investigation of Turkey-backed rebels. FYF’s Executive Director was quoted in the story relating to crimes committed in Afrin by Turkish-backed rebels, including crimes against Yezidi women.

CBN News | Yazidis Fear New Threat as Turkey Launches Offensive in Northern Iraq.  FYF’s Executive Director was quoted in this story relating to Turkey’s airstrikes in Sinjar and its impact on the region and the Yezidi population.

Kurdistan-24 | Yezidis criticize Turkish airstrikes in Shingal, fearing it could hamper return of civilians. FYF’s Executive Director was quoted in this story relating to Turkey’s airstrikes in Sinjar and its impact on the region and the Yezidi population.

Gatestone Institute | Iraq: Turkish Airstrikes Terrorize Christian and Yazidi Natives. FYF’s Executive Director was quoted in this story relating to Turkey’s airstrikes in Sinjar and its impact on the region and the Yezidi population.

Ahval | Turkish airstrike on Iraq hindering Yezidi’s return, say aid organisations. FYF’s Executive Director was quoted in this story relating to Turkey’s airstrikes in Sinjar and its impact on the region and the Yezidi population.

 

May 2020

Brenda Stoter Boscolo | Aantal Zelfdodingen Binnen De Jezidi-Gemeenschap Fors Gestegen.  FYF’s Clinical Psychologist Yesim Arikut-Treece was quoted in this article in the Netherlands regarding the suicide rate within the Yezidi community and the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the IDP community.

April 2020

Al Monitor | Justice for genocide: Yazidis hopeful as Islamic State trial opens in Germany.  Pari Ibrahim, FYF’s Executive Director, was quoted in an Al-Monitor article highlighting the trial of Taha Al-J in Frankfurt, Germany. According to the indictment, the suspect purchased and enslaved a Yezidi woman and her 5-year-old daughter. The suspected ISIS militant is being accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Kurdistan24 | 15-year-old Yezidi genocide survivor killed in Germany. Pari Ibrahim, FYF’s Executive Director, was quoted in a Kurdistan24 article about Arkan Hussein Kjo, a survivor of the Yezidi genocide, who was killed in Germany. “Although the specific motives behind the attack are not yet known, it is nevertheless a sad event to see a Yezidi survivor suffer. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim and we hope that justice will be served.”

March 2020

Chime for Change | Gucci’s Chime for Change 25 for 25 Series: Pari Ibrahim.   Pari Ibrahim, FYF’s Executive Director, was featured in Gucci’s Chime For Change 25 for 25 Series, an original content series that highlights activists who represent progress made on gender equality.

Wilson Center | How Journalists and NGOs Help Track Down ISIS Criminals: Lessons from Iraqi Kurdistan. FYF was features in a Wilson Center article about NGOs and Journalists working to help locate missing Yezidis and identify ISIS perpetrators.

Kurdistan24 | Woman Accused of ISIS Membership Faces Terror Charges in Germany After Journalists Expose Her.  Pari Ibrahim, FYF’s Executive Director, was quoted in a Kurdistan 24 article highlighting women affiliated with Islamic State living in Europe without being held accountable for their crimes.

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FYF works to support the most vulnerable members of the Yezidi community by providing them with education, economic empowerment, post-trauma treatment, and access to justice. If you want your donations to have a real impact on the lives of women and children affected by conflict, please consider giving to FYF today.