Economically Empowering Survivors of ISIS Captivity through Interim Reparative Measures

“For survivors, reparations are not an abstract principle of justice or a topic for legal debate. Reparations are the difference between going hungry – and having enough food to put on the table. Between being outcast from their communities – and being able to put a roof over their heads.” - Nadia Murad

Nadia's Initiative, in collaboration with the Global Survivors Fund, is implementing an interim reparative measures (IRM) project in Sinjar and Duhok, empowering thousands of survivors to heal, rebuild, and thrive. Safia is one of the project's beneficiaries who opted to receive IRM in the form of business establishment support to open her own locksmith shop. 

ISIS kidnapped Safia and her family in 2014. Five months later, she was freed. She spent two years in an IDP camp, where she endured appalling physical and mental hardships. She eventually returned to her native village of Hardan, where she settled down, married, and had a daughter. 

Safia, like other survivors, was given a say in what type of IRM she wanted, as part of the region's first ever survivor-centered interim reparations project. She opted for a local shop that provides key copying and locksmithing services. 

"Our living situation has improved greatly since receiving the interim reparations, as has my psychological state. I am now managing my business, and I feel happy when I realize that I can support my family and community through my business," Safia said.