Pari Ibrahim

Pari Ibrahim is the founder and Executive Director of the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF). Born in Iraq and of Yezidi descent, Ms. Ibrahim fled the country as a child with her family in 1991 during the Saddam Hussein regime, eventually settling in the Netherlands and now residing in the United States. In response to the Yezidi Genocide committed by ISIS in Sinjar, Northern Iraq in August 2014, Ms. Ibrahim established FYF to support the Yezidi community and raise awareness of the plight of survivors. The foundation advocates for the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities and pursues justice for Yezidi Genocide survivors. FYF operates in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with headquarters in the United States and the Netherlands. FYF has implemented a range of programs, including the establishment of women's and children's centers, collaboration with international justice mechanisms and law enforcement agencies to hold ISIS perpetrators accountable, and the creation of an enterprise and training center. This center provides comprehensive services to women, girls, and survivors of SGBV, offering mental healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and legal aid. Additionally, FYF is among the leading Yezidi civil society organizations advocating for increased humanitarian and human rights support for the Yezidi community. Ms. Ibrahim envisions an Iraqi society where Yezidis enjoy equal rights and opportunities. She is a staunch advocate for the empowerment and equal rights of women and girls, including within the Yezidi community. Ms. Ibrahim has delivered speeches at institutions around the world, including the UN Security Council and UK Parliament. She has published pieces in numerous media outlets, including the Washington Post, the Guardian, and many others. Ms. Ibrahim holds a law degree from the University of Amsterdam and speaks Kurmanji, Dutch, and English.