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From the darkness of the Yazidi Genocide emerged a voice that refused to be silenced. At just ten years old, Amera Ali endured captivity un

Jihan Zine Alo Journalist and Translator Head of the Section, Gulf Center for Iranian Studies Absent Justice in Shingal: The Yazidi Cause between Power Struggles and the Right to Protection Today, the Yazidis stand as one of the most vulnerable and existentially threatened indigenous communities in the Middle East. This is true not only due to the horrific historical atrocities they have endured, but because the fertile ground and political climate that enabled those massacr

Kidnapped by داعش from Kocho in Sinjar in 2014, Wafaa Ali Abbas spent more than eight years in captivity, enduring displacement and hardship between Mosul, Raqqa, and Al-Hol camp in Syria. In September 2022, she finally regained her freedom and was reunited with her family. Her journey stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and a reminder that many Yazidi women and men are still missing and awaiting justice. #WafaaAliAbbas #YazidiSurvivors #Kocho #Sinjar #Freedom

At the age of 16, Lamia was abducted by ISIS from her village of Kocho in Sinjar, northern Iraq. She endured two years of captivity, torture, and being sold into slavery, yet she refused to surrender. During her fifth escape attempt in 2016, a landmine exploded, killing her companions. Lamia suffered severe burns and lost her right eye. Despite her injuries, she continued walking until she finally reached freedom. Lamia went on to become a global voice against terrorism and w

The atrocities committed against the Yazidi people have been recognized by the United Nations and many countries as genocide. Despite the immense suffering, the Yazidi community continues to demonstrate resilience, preserving its culture, faith, and identity while seeking justice for the victims and survivors. Today, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives, stand with the survivors, and renew our commitment to ensuring that such crimes are never forgotten and never

Hala Safil is a Yazidi genocide survivor who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of ISIS. Today, she lives in Armidale, Australia, where she continues to rebuild her life while advocating for justice, recognition, and support for the Yazidi people. The Day Everything Changed On August 3, 2014, the Yazidi community of Sinjar faced one of the darkest days in its history. Thousands of armed forces withdrew from the region, leaving innocent civilians exposed to the advanc

When ISIS invaded Sinjar on August 3, 2014, Faiza Kamal was abducted and forced into captivity. For years, she endured unimaginable hardship as one of thousands of Yazidi women and girls targeted during the genocide. Liberated in 2019, Faiza began the difficult journey of rebuilding her life. Today, in 2026, her transformation is remarkable. The contrast between then and now is more than physical—it reflects resilience, survival, and hope. Faiza’s story stands as a powerful r

powerful new exhibition titled Drawn From Pain, Written From Truth is bringing the stories of Yazidi survivors to life through art, testimony, and personal reflection. Created by survivor and artist Suad Smo alongside writer and advocate Amera Ali, the exhibition highlights the pain of displacement and captivity while celebrating courage, resilience, and hope. Through deeply emotional artworks and written narratives, the exhibition gives a voice to survivors whose experiences

The Yazidi community in Australia has expressed deep concern following reports that seven women and 14 children linked to the Islamic State group have departed the al-Roj camp in Syria and are expected to arrive in Australia. According to the reported information, five of the women and seven children are expected to return to Sydney, while two women and seven children are expected to settle in Melbourne. For many Yazidis, the return of individuals associated with ISIS reopens

The return of women linked to داعش (ISIS) from camps in Syria and Iraq continues to raise serious concerns among the Yazidi community in Australia and around the world. Many Yazidi survivors believe that justice and accountability must come before reintegration, especially for individuals accused of involvement in crimes committed during the 2014 Yazidi genocide. Thousands of Yazidi women and children were abducted, enslaved, tortured, and displaced during ISIS attacks on Sin

After 12 long years of unimaginable pain and separation, a Yazidi daughter has finally been freed. She was taken as a child—robbed of her childhood, her family, and her sense of safety. Like thousands of Yazidi women and girls abducted during the Yazidi genocide, she endured horrors that no human being should ever face. Today, she stands alive—carrying deep scars, but also something powerful: hope. But her journey is not over. Her family lives here in Australia. For more than

Amera Ali has delivered a powerful and deeply moving contribution at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne, Melbourne, where global leaders, policymakers, and advocates gathered to advance gender equality and women’s rights worldwide. As a Yazidi survivor, Amera spoke with courage and authenticity, representing the voices of her community. Sharing her lived experience of the atrocities committed by Islamic State, she shed light on the ongoing suffering of Yazidi wome

On 3 August 2014, the terrorist group Islamic State launched a brutal attack on the Sinjar region in Iraq, targeting the Yazidi community in what has since been widely recognised as genocide. Thousands of Yazidis were killed, and thousands of women and girls were abducted, subjected to violence, and forced into sexual slavery. Among those affected was Fawziya Saydo, who was only nine years old at the time. Like many Yazidi children, her life was shattered by the أحداث of that

Warda, a proud member of the Yazidi community living in Coffs Harbour, has been named a finalist for Early Career Pharmacist of the Year within the TerryWhite Chemmart network—an impressive recognition among hundreds of pharmacists across Australia 💚 This honour reflects her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional care to her community. It’s inspiring to see a young Yazidi professional making such a meaningful impact and representing her communi

A talented young player from Coffs Harbour is making waves on the national stage, with Raman Dalaf earning Player of the Match in a standout performance at the Emerging Socceroos Championships. Representing Northern NSW, Raman played a key role in his team’s victory against Tasmania, scoring an impressive hat-trick and showcasing his attacking talent and composure under pressure. His performance highlights the strength of emerging football talent coming from regional communit

At just 12 years old, he witnessed unimaginable hardship when his family was taken hostage as ISIS swept through his hometown. Those early experiences could have defined his future—but instead, they became the foundation of his strength. In 2018, Sulaiman arrived in Australia, determined to build a new life. He began as a translator, speaking Yazidi, Arabic, and English, helping others while finding his own path. But it was football that truly gave him a sense of freedom. By

Multicultural NSW has acknowledged the cultural and spiritual importance of the Yazidi New Year, following community concerns about its absence from recent public communications. In a formal response, Community Engagement Manager Bala Nirmanusan confirmed that the omission was not intentional and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural recognition across New South Wales. The statement highlighted the significant contributions of the Yazidi community to

The Yazidi community in Australia proudly celebrates the Yazidi New Year, known as Charchema Nisani, a significant cultural and religious occasion symbolising renewal, hope, and new beginnings. Observed by Yazidis around the world, this special day represents the arrival of spring and is marked by traditional customs, gatherings, and community celebrations. In Australia, the occasion highlights the rich cultural diversity that strengthens and enriches our society. In Coffs Ha

My name is Manal Loqman. I am, a Yazidi survivor from Sinjar in northern Iraq. In August 2014, when ISIS attacked our region, my life changed forever. I was taken captive and lived through unimaginable trauma, horrors pain . I was alone, surrounded by ISIS, facing days no human being should ever experience. After my escape eight years ago, I was taken directly to displacement camps. Life in the camps was extremely difficult—especially for survivors like me. The conditions wer

A Yazidi girl’s achievement in securing a place to study a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales is a proud milestone and a meaningful step toward a promising future. This accomplishment reflects not only her personal determination and resilience, but also the broader aspirations of the Yazidi community to pursue education and build a better future. Entering the field of health and medical sciences opens wide opportunities to