Eight years after the Yazidi Genocide, Yazidis were able to gather at Lalish once again to celebrate the Autumn Assembly. The Assembly is the biggest celebration of the Yazidi calendar year, and includes an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a prominent religious figure.
Read MoreEarlier this week, our founder Nadia Murad visited Sinjar, Iraq. During her visit, Nadia spoke with a number of Sinjar residents, survivors, and the NI Iraq team to learn about the needs of the community and the progress of NI’s work in Iraq.
Read MoreMany Yazidi survivors of ISIS captivity were trafficked to Mosul and other areas of Iraq, and returning to Mosul to seek reparations can reignite traumatic memories. That’s why Nadia’s Initiative and USAID prioritized opening the General Directorate of Survivors’ Affairs’ office in Sinjar.
Read MoreAfter ISIS’ destruction of the region in 2014, many full-time teachers moved out of Sinjar, which left a big gap in the education sector. Nadia’s Initiative is improving volunteer lecturers’ ability to effectively support students in Sinjar by facilitating comprehensive trainings in student-centric teaching methods and child protection for 600 teachers.
Read MoreInvestment in healthcare helps to reduce long-term vulnerabilities and increase the stability of the region. Nadia’s Initiative is working to improve the health sector in Sinjar by supporting healthcare centers and hospitals with reconstruction, provision of medicine and medical equipment, furnishings, and trauma-informed staff trainings.
Read MoreIraq needs a government that can act, not one paralyzed by corruption and infighting. The path to good governance is through peaceful democratic processes with government transparency and care for the will of the people. To progress together as a nation, all sides must refrain from violence and listen to each other to find a way forward.
Read MoreNadia's Initiative is dedicated to implementing development initiatives that have a significant and lasting positive impact on the communities we serve. We can't achieve this without the communities' input, concerns, and suggestions.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: The Human Rights Institute (HRI) at Georgetown Law and Nadia’s Initiative (NI) announced a collaboration to develop and advance innovative strategies to hold the Islamic State (ISIS) accountable for its crimes against Yazidis. The two organizations will work together to advance the rights of Yazidis affected by genocide and sexual violence.
Read MoreFor Yazidi youth, access to higher education and English language courses means improved access to future job opportunities and a better life. "This course provided me with a wealth of new tools for being a more effective teacher. “
Read MoreSince the passing of the Yazidi Survivors Law in early 2021, Nadia’s Initiative has been working with the General Directorate of Survivors’ Affairs (GDSA) to ensure the expedited and survivor-centered implementation of the law. This past weekend, Nadia’s Initiative supported the official opening of the GDSA’s Sinjar office.
Read MoreNadia’s Initiative aims to amplify the voices of survivors, so they may share their memories, experiences, and hopes that have kept them moving forward despite all they have been through. Join us in amplifying survivors voices to honor August 3rd and the Yazidi Genocide.
Read MoreEight things wrong with the international response to genocide – and how to fix them.
Read MoreGenocide. Sexual Violence. Enslavement. Marginalization. Oppression. Injustice.
The Yazidi community has endured all of the above & more before & since ISIS’ invasion in Sinjar in 2014. International action is needed. We urge you not to forget #August3rd and the #YazidiGenocide.
Read MoreOn 27 July 2022, the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg convicted German ISIS member Jalda A. of aiding and abetting genocide as well as of crimes against humanity and war crimes for the enslavement and abuse of a young Yazidi woman, “M”. The defendant was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
Read MoreWhen it comes to rebuilding the Yazidi community, youth empowerment is a vital component in the process of creating more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable communities. To improve access to higher education for Yazidi youth, Nadia’s Initiative is working with JWL to open and run two additional learning centers in Sinjar and Sinuni.
Read MoreWithout a proper school of their own, students in Qasrki village, South Sinjar, have had no choice but to study in a dilapidated building exposed to the elements. Nadia's Initiative is building and furnishing a new Mahmoodiya Primary School to ensure that every student can study in a safe and supportive environment.
Read MoreToday, in the presence of Yazidi community members, clergymen, and community leaders, a ceremony was held to exhume the remains of Yazidi genocide victims from Sinjar found in mass graves in Qani village, Sinjar, Iraq.
Read MoreNadia's Initiative is building a new x-ray facility and laboratory at Sinuni General Hospital, in addition to renovating the drug store and garden area and creating additional shaded outdoor spaces for staff and patients.
Read MoreNadia’s Initiative recently launched the rehabilitation and furnishing of Rezan Primary School in Raska village, South Sinjar. Once completed, the new school will enable 86 students from Raska and neighboring areas to access education in a safe environment.
Read MoreYazidi children have suffered from protracted conflict, captivity, and life in IDP camps. To support their recovery, Nadia’s Initiative and partner Sunrise NGO rehabilitated and reopened Sinjar Kindergarten.
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