Justice and Human Rights Iraq Project #29220

Justice for Yezidi / Yazidi Survivors of Genocide

by Free Yezidi Foundation

Justice for Yezidi / Yazidi Survivors of Genocide

Project Report | Apr 17, 2026
A Historic Moment in France for the Yezidi People

By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director

A landmark ruling marks the first time a French court has formally recognized the genocide committed against Yezidis. The court has found Sabri Essid, a French jihadist and former high-official of the Islamic State (ISIS) guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity, and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

This trial was held in absentia, as Sabri Essid is presumed dead in Syria, though not confirmed. Sabri Essid, also known as Abou Dojanah al-Faransi, was a central figure in the French jihadist movement. He is accused of having committed genocide, as well as acts of enslavement, imprisonment, torture, rape, persecution and other inhuman acts constituting crimes against humanity, and of complicity in these crimes, against Yezidi women and children in Syria.

Several Yezidi survivors and their children acted as civil parties during the trial. FYF’s Executive Director provided expert witness testimony in the trial, as did several other Yezidi and international experts.

"Whether the accused is dead or alive, the court's decision will send a message to Yazidis around the world. By recognizing this genocide, this trial delivers justice and puts an end to impunity." Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director of FYF.

Watch reactions following the verdict from Samih Taha, Yezidi Survivor, as well as FYF's lawyers here.

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Dec 22, 2025
FYF Country Director Receives Sinjar Human Rights Reward

By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director

Oct 1, 2025
Eleven Years of Resilience

By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This August, we paused to remember and honor the victims of the Yezidi Genocide on its 11th commemoration. FYF’s Executive Director co-authored an Atlantic Council opinion piece, An Open Wound; a Fading Light, highlighting the continued struggle for justice and recognition. In a solemn milestone, the families of 22 victims were finally able to lay their loved ones to rest in Sinjar following the identification of remains in Baghdad. While this marks an important step toward dignity and closure, the mass graves still awaiting exhumation serve as a painful reminder of how far there is yet to go.

PARI IBRAHIM CO-AUTHORS ATLANTIC COUNCIL OPINION PIECE

FYF's Executive Director, Pari Ibrahim, together with Sinjar Academy's Murad Ismail, has co-authored an artical for the Atlantic Council: An Open Wound; A Fading Light. The piece highlights the urgent challenges still facing the Yezidi community eleven years after ISIS' genocidal assault.

More than 2,500 Yezidis remain missing, justice has not been achieved, and many families continue to endure displacement, insecurity, and marginalization. And while international attention has waned, the community's suffering persists. In the article, FYF calles for renewed focus and coordinated action before the window to rescue the missing and address longstanding injustices closes.

Read the full article here: An open wound, a fading light: Marking eleven years since the Yezidi Genocide

BURIAL CEREMONY FOR 22 YEZIDI GENOCIDE VICTIMS

The families of 22 victims of the Yezidi Genocide finally laid their remains to rest. After completing the identification process in Baghdad, their remains were transferred to Sinjar, where they were honored in a formal burial ceremony.

This marks a crucial step in the long-overdue process of identifying victims and returning them to their families for a dignified burial. Yet, the existence of mass graves and the slow pace of exhumations remain a deep, unresolved wound for the Yezidi community. Justice and closure cannot wait any longer.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work. Together, we are building a stronger, brighter future.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation

Links:

Burial Ceremony for 22 Yezidi Genocide Victims

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