The International Conference on the Yezidi Genocide – 2014 (The International Conference on the Yezidi Genocide – 2014 (25-26 Aug. 2025))
Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Organization: Univeristy of Kurdistan Hewler (UKH)
Event: The International Conference on the Yezidi Genocide – 2014 (25-26 Aug. 2025)
CALL FOR PAPERS
The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for
The International Conference on the Yezidis’ Genocide – 2014
August 25th-26th 2025
In 2014, the Yazidi people in Kurdistan and Iraq faced tremendous atrocities by the extremist group of ISIS in their stronghold of Sinjar and other Yezidi-populated areas of Nineva and Duhok. This was an act of genocide and ethnic-religious cleansing by the terrorist organization.
This conference is a scholarly event and will be focused on investigating this tragic historical event and the consequential impacts it has had ever since. It brings together academics and scholars from within the Yezidi community and around the world to shed light on this tragedy from an academic perspective. In addition to the historical events around the time of the genocide, this conference also focuses on themes of resilience, struggle, empowerment, and coping. We aim to move beyond narratives of trauma to emphasize resilience, rebuilding, and hope for the future of the Yezidi community. This conference will particularly focus on pathways for empowerment, justice, and celebrating the strengths of survivors and the efforts to reinforce the Yezidi culture and identity. Our goal is to foster an environment of constructive dialogue and forward-thinking solutions that inspire meaningful change and support for the Yezidi community.
We invite potential contributors to submit papers on the following (but not limited) topics:
Long-term socio-economic effects on Yezidi survivors: Efforts in preserving heritage, identity and traditions post-genocide; Recovery and healing into Yezidi communities within KRI and Yezidi diaspora communities; Mass migration of the Yazidis both internally and to overseas countries
Psychological impact of the genocide: Sociopsychological dimensions of post-genocide (stereotyping, scapegoating, hostility, distrust and fear); Healing from the trauma of genocide; Long-term effects of exposure to violence, abuse and genocide on children born and/or raised in ISIS-controlled areas; Strategic use of sexual violence and abuse (sexual slavery, weaponization of rape); Intergenerational trauma of the genocide; Social and cultural reintegration of survivors of sexual violence;
Human rights and international law pertaining to the genocide: Historical precedents of the genocide and the role of the state in protecting the Yezidi people in Iraq; Critical approaches to the prevention of genocide and holding perpetrators accountable by local and international criminal justice boards.
Timelines and Important Dates:
Deadline for the abstract submission: April 15th, 2025
Approval and notification of accepted papers: May 1st, 2025
Deadline for the full paper submission: August 1st, 2025
Dates of the Conference: August 25th-26th 2025
Duration of the Conference: Two days
Conference Agenda:
- Day One: The first day will be in Erbil where the academic conference and presentations take place
- Day Two: The second day will be a visit to Lalish to those who wish to visit the holy site of the Yezidis
Funding, Accommodation and Travel
The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr is pleased to offer funding for travel, lodging accommodations, research and data collection for international panelists and as many the budget will permit. The conference will cover all meals and an evening reception.
Paper Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts of 250-300 words and a short bio (about 200 words) to be emailed by April 15th, 2025 to: yezidis.conf2025@ukh.edu.krd
- Notifications on submissions will be shared by May 1st, 2025.
- Full paper submissions are to be made by August 1st, 2025.
- Submissions are required to be from original research and should not have been previously published or be awaiting publication during the evaluation process for this conference.
- Accepted papers will be published in the conference’s Proceedings.
https://www.ukh.edu.krd/news/the-international-conference-on-the-yezidi-genocide-2014/
Helen A. Hawezi