OUR APPROACH

Victim-centered

Victims’ views are placed front and center of all that we do.

Non-discriminatory

We are committed not to differentiating between the victims. Therefore, all victims should be recognized, regardless of ethnic, religious, or other backgrounds. This should not be interpreted as a claim that all individuals, groups, and communities suffered the same. Quite the opposite, we recognize that members of certain groups (Yazidi, Turkmen, etc.) were deliberately targeted and, in addition to individuals, suffered a collective trauma as well.

Gender-sensitive

We recognize the broader cultural factors which led to gender-based discrimination, which also need to be addressed.

Inclusive

We want to involve and give equal voice to all affected communities and individuals.

Community-based

Long-lasting change can only be achieved by focusing on the community level. This is a bottom-up approach, designed to empower communities to advocate and influence change themselves. This in turn allows for local policies to be tailored to the needs of each individual community, rather than being nationally uniform.

Prevention-focused

We want to anticipate problems in the early stages before disagreements lead to unrest.

Empowering

Seeking to empower rather than paternalize victims and their communities.