Ninewa Governorate, Iraq – May 29, 2024
In a landmark event today, 262 plots of land were distributed to survivors under the Yazidi Female Survivors Law (YSL). This significant step includes 250 plots allocated to Yazidi survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and ISIL captivity in Sinjar, and 12 plots designated for Turkmen survivors in Telafar.
Hadya, a Yazidi survivor of ISIL atrocities, expressed her gratitude and hope, saying, “We will not stay in displacement forever; we will return home to Sinjar sooner or later. I shared a house with my parents when I was in Sinjar, but now that I am married and had no piece of land. This plot of land gives me hope that one day I will have a land under my name in my hometown.”
The Yazidi Female Survivors Law, enacted in March 2021, guarantees eligible survivors a range of rights, including residential plots of land. Article 6 (Second) of the law states, “[Female] Survivors and those covered by the provisions of this law shall be granted a residential plot of land with a real estate loan and shall be exempted from the provisions of laws and decisions of the (dissolved) Revolutionary Command Council no 120 of 1982 or a free housing unit.” Additional benefits under the YSL include monthly payments, rights to public employment, and the opportunity to return to education.
The first distribution ceremony was held today, with the presence of the Ninewa Governor, the Advisor of the Iraqi Prime Minister for Human Rights, representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), the General Director of the General Directorate for Survivors Affairs (GDSA), and survivors at the Mosul Municipality District.
Farida Global has played a pivotal role in supporting survivors through this process, submitting over 550 applications on behalf of survivors and assisting thousands more in securing their legal rights. The organization acknowledges the importance of this initiative in aiding the healing and recovery of survivors and their families.
Farida Global calls on authorities to allocate more resources and support to the YSL and GDSA to ensure that all entitled survivors receive their full rights under the law. This distribution of land marks a crucial step in restoring dignity and stability to those who have endured unimaginable hardships.
Farida Global is dedicated to supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and other human rights abuses. Through advocacy, legal assistance, and direct support, the organization strives to empower survivors and promote justice and recovery.
Farida e.V.
info@faridaglobal.org
Deutsch 
English