C4JR welcomes the timely efforts of the Commission for Investigation & Gathering Evidence (CIGE)for conducting the research “Consultations for Reparations: Enhancing Victims Participation towards the development of a Comprehensive Reparation Policy”.
Consulting the Yazidi women survivors of ISIL crimes regarding the reparations policies will help them in shaping their future, fill the gaps of these policies and raise awareness of the Draft Law on Female Yazidi Survivors’ currently being discussed in the Iraqi Parliament. These consultations also opened a platform for Yazidi women survivors to express their opinions and assured them that their voice is being heard.
C4JR was consulted during the research itself, took part in the field visits and reviewed the final document. Publishing this report will certainly contribute to reviving the public debate on reparations for survivors and to conveying the survivors’ needs to the stakeholders.
There is still much to be done when it comes to repairing the harm done to the survivors and other victims and providing tangible support. Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government should make an effort to regain trust of the survivors through, among other things, endorsing reparation laws that meet their needs.
C4JR is looking forward to working with CIGE in the future. As we are of the opinion that further consultations with survivors from other affected communities as well as with survivors of atrocity crimes other than conflict-related sexual violence should be prioritized, we encourage any efforts to that end.
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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