C4JR launched a working group to facilitate activities of the Coalition in the field of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and women’s rights: C4JR-CRSV-WG. The working group assumed work on developing a policy paper to support the implementation of reparation measures set out in the C4JR Draft Law on Reparations for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Committed During the ISIS Conflict in Iraq (C4JR Draft Law).
General objectives of the working group are to advocate for the adoption and implementation of the C4JR Draft Law, ensure the voices of CRSV survivors are heard, ensure a strong gender perspective in all C4JR activities and support the coalition’s gender-sensitive approach.
C4JR-CRSV-WG currently consists of Better World Organization for Community Development, Bishkoreen, Emma, Eyzidi Organization for Documentation, Free Yezidi Foundation, Iraqi Institution for Development, Lotus Flower, TAJDID Iraq, Turkmen Rescue Foundation, Women Leadership Institute, Women Legal Assistance Organization and Yazda representatives.
Ms Nita Gojani, Justice Rapid Response expert with hands on experience on setting up Kosovo conflict-related sexual and gender based violence reparations program, is providing expert support to the working group members, whereas Ms Gulchen Kshtow of Erbil based Emma organization is taking the lead in coordinating the working group´s activities.
The Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR), with the support of IOM Iraq, is publishing regular newsletters on the Yazidi Survivors Law (YSL) in three languages. Check out the Eighth Newsletter now, in English, Arabic, and Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji).
The eighth issue of the Coalition for Just Reparations (C4JR) newsletter covers:
- Reparation Payments: The Directorate for Survivors’ Affairs has disbursed reparations to 1,975 survivors covered by the YSL in August 2024.
- UNITAD Reports: UNITAD has recently released several key reports on ISIL's international crimes in Iraq, concluding that ISIL's actions likely constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Yazidis, Shi’a Turkmen, Christian communities, and other minorities.
- End of UNITAD’s Mandate: Following the conclusion of UNITAD’s mandate, C4JR’s Criminal Justice Working Group published a statement emphasizing the urgent need for the Iraqi government to pass legislation enabling the prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
- New Toolkit Released: C4JR and Jiyan Foundation released their Ethical Engagement Toolkit, to guide NGOs and journalists in engaging with survivors to address key issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and cultural sensitivity, designed for various contexts.
- Yazidi Genocide Commemoration: On the tenth anniversary, Yazidi civil society held a commemoration in Solagh, Sinjar, honoring victims and demanding justice from the Iraqi government and international community, by prosecuting ISIS terrorists, rebuilding Yazidi areas, compensating survivors, and ensuring legal reforms to prevent future atrocities.
- UN Special Rapporteur Report: The UN Special Rapporteur’s report calls for action against sexual torture in wartime and will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 25. The report acknowledges contributions from the Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights and other stakeholders during a study visit to Iraqi Kurdistan.
- Challenges and Recommendations: The newsletter presents an overview of the outstanding challenges faced by survivors applying to the YSL and recommends measures to ease YSL application burdens.
- Get to Know C4JR Members: Learn more about Emma Human Development Organization, which provides legal and psychological services to ISIL survivors.
🗣 The newsletter is available in Arabic, Sorani, and Kurmanci.
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