Standing Together Across Continents: Reflections From Nadia’s Visit to Colombia

During her recent visit to Colombia, Nadia Murad had the opportunity to meet with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), local leaders, and human rights advocates who are working tirelessly to advance justice and healing in their communities. This visit marked her first time in the country – a place she has long hoped to see, not only for its beauty and culture but because of the profound connections between the experiences of Colombian survivors and survivors from the Yazidi community.

Reflecting on the visit, Nadia said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with survivors of CRSV in Colombia. We may live thousands of miles apart, separated by language and geography, but we share the same pain – and the same resilience – to fight for justice and accountability.”

Throughout the visit, Nadia met with women who continue to rebuild their lives after surviving sexual violence during Colombia’s long conflict. Their courage, honesty, and commitment to justice reflect the same determination shown by Yazidi survivors of ISIS. These conversations strengthened a shared sense of sisterhood — one built not on geography but on lived experience, advocacy, and hope.

“I believe deeply that we share a sisterhood built on solidarity. We must continue to stand with one another to expose the scourge of sexual violence used against women and girls in conflicts worldwide. None of us should carry this burden alone,” Nadia said.

Nadia also met with President Gustavo Petro to discuss the Yazidi genocide and the need for international recognition, accountability, and reparations for survivors. She underscored the importance of global solidarity in confronting sexual violence as a weapon of war and called for Colombia’s formal recognition of the Yazidi genocide — an important step toward advancing justice for Yazidi survivors.

In addition, Nadia’s Initiative engaged with civil society partners, local organizations, and community advocates who are supporting survivors across Colombia. Their dedication to truth, reparations, and healing offers an inspiring model of survivor-centered justice.

This visit reaffirmed that, despite the distances between communities affected by conflict, the path toward justice is shared. Nadia’s Initiative remains committed to working alongside survivors, governments, and partners around the world to end the use of sexual violence in conflict and to ensure that every survivor receives the support, recognition, and justice they deserve.