During this symposium we will discuss the current situation of the Yazidi community, both in the Middle East and the diaspora, with politicians, legal experts, academics and the humanitarian sector and talk about what needs to be done to improve the future of the community. 

In August 2014, the Yazidi community, one of the oldest religious groups in the Middle East, became the target of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). Men and boys were executed. Women and children were enslaved. And a large part of the region remains destroyed.

The main Yazidi city Sinjar has been liberated since November 2015. Nevertheless, the reconstruction of the necessary facilities that would allow the return of the community remains slow. Most people still live in camps, few have had access to adequate psychological care, and the community remains vulnerable. The physical, cultural and spiritual survival of the Yazidi community is still under threat. A critical discussion on the reaction, discourse and framing of the international community of the situation of the Yazidis is a necessity.

Talk to me during this discussion about the international reactions against genocide, finding justice and the current humanitarian crisis that the Yezidis are dealing with.

11:30 – 13:00

Welcome and Introduction by moderator Anna Salden. Researcher and Conflict Analyst – Agency of IDP Yazidi Women. 

Panel 1: Discussion on Reconstruction and reconciliation with:

• Saeed Quasim Sulaiman. Yazda activist. He will discuss the Yazidi history, religion and territory.
• Skype interview with Pari Ibrahim. Founder and Executive Director of the Free Yezidi Foundation to provide humanitarian aid and to raise awareness. We talk with Pari about the challenges in seeking justice and accountability for the community.
• Vincent Vrijhoef. Program Officer Iraq at PAX

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch in Foyer.

With two well-sized, luxury sandwiches from a choice of toppings (meat, fish and various cheeses). In case of any allergies or dietary wishes, please email to programmering@humanityhouse.org.

14:00 – 14:45

Panel 2: Discussion on finding accountability with:

• Skype interview with Public Prosecutor Simon Minks. International law and accountability after genocide. He will discuss the challenges of prosecution of war crimes.
• Amal Nassar. International Federation for Human Rights. She will talk about foreign fighters and the planned sexual violence against Yazidis.

14:45 -15:15

Coffee break.

15:15 – 17:00.

Panel 3: Discussion on perspectives from “the field”. What is the field and whose field is it?

• Sura Mahmood. Board of director for Baghdad Women Association. Member of Iraqi Alamal Association. She will discuss the often overlooked subject of children born of ISIS rape the consequences for different communities that face this.
• Skype interview with Gulchen Murad. Project manager at the Duhok branch of EMMA, Organization for Human Development in Iraq. She will talk about her work with displaced people from her own religion that are currently living in camps around Duhok.

• Dalal Ghanim. Yezidi activist and pharmaceutical student.

17:00 -18:00

End of meeting. Drinks in Foyer.

 

 

Join the Facebook-event here