World Refugee Day: Nadia's Initiative Shines Light on Challenges to Return Migration for Displaced Yazidis

When Zahra’s farm was destroyed by ISIS in 2014, she and her family were forced to flee their home in search of safety. “Overnight, we lost everything...all our property was stolen and more than 100 trees were burned down,” she said. Zahra and her family of 7 lived in Kabrto IDP camp for two years.

Her youngest son, Khairi, shared, “When we left our house fleeing from ISIS, we also left all of our childhood memories, dreams, and everything we built for years.”

Zahra was able to return to Sinjar in 2016 and rebuild her farm in 2020 thanks to a Nadia’s Initiative project to restore the region’s agriculture. At 47 years old, Zahra never considered migrating away from her homeland. “We do our best to make our life as it was in the past and practice our customs and traditions in our homeland,” said Khairi.

Over 400,000 Yazidis were displaced because of ISIS’ genocide. Zahra and her family were able to return home, but nearly 200,000 Yazidis still live in IDP camps, waiting for their towns to be secured and rebuilt so they can restart their lives. Rebuilding is not possible without sustainable investment.

Nadia’s Initiative was founded because we recognize the dire need for sustainable solutions to displacement. Refugee and IDP camps are intended to serve only immediate needs, and opportunities for resettlement are rapidly shrinking as nations close their borders. It is clear that a sustainable approach is needed to address the long-term consequences of conflict, trauma, and marginalization. Join us on World Refugee Day, in our commitment to facilitate a safe return home and invest in local communities.