Sexual Violence in Conflict – High Council of Women’s Affairs event in Lalesh

SEED was honored to join the High Council of Women’s Affairs in Lalesh to speak about the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the urgency to end conflict-related sexual violence and to honor survivors.

Sexual violence is used as a weapon to destroy and terrorize individuals and communities. Female survivors of the ISIS conflict have extensive, unmet needs, including mental health, a safe place to call home, access to reliable public services, and employment. To support their recovery, SEED provides comprehensive and survivor-centered care, including case management, mental health services, psychosocial support activities, and legal services.

The Yezidi Survivors’ Law recognizes the rights and needs of survivors of ISIS atrocities, especially those who experienced sexual violence. We urge the Government of Iraq to implement this law in a robust, responsive, and timely manner, in line with a survivor-centered approach.