Thursday marks nine years since the darkest day in Nadia Murad’s life - the day ISIS rolled into Sinjar, a predominantly Yazidi city in north-western Iraq, slaughtering dozens of men and kidnapping hundreds of women.
The Yazidis, a Kurdish-speaking religious minority, were a major target for ISIS, which persecuted them for their beliefs.
By August 15, ISIS had reached Kocho, a largely agrarian community of about 1,700 people 20 kilometres to the south.
There, Ms Murad was separated from her mother, brothers and stepbrothers who, along with 600 others, were executed. She and hundreds of other Yazidi girls and women were taken to Mosul, where they were enslaved, raped and sold by ISIS militants.
Within weeks, however, she had escaped and by early 2015, found herself living in a container in a refugee camp in the town of Dohuk, her life utterly upended.
Since those dark days, Ms Murad, 30, has gone on to become one of the most famous advocates for survivors of sexual violence in war.
But the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate is still furious.
“I gave everything of myself to tell our story – I wanted to be the last girl to endure this," she tells The National.
"But since 2014, thousands more women have been raped and abused in conflict zones. It surprises and shocks me that this is something that the world can happily live with.
“I am hugely discouraged by the lack of will by the international community to tackle the factors that make women and girls vulnerable to sexual violence in conflict.”
She says that despite thousands of pieces of evidence having been collected by the UN as well as her organisation, Nadia’s Initiative, only three ISIS members have been prosecuted for their roles in enslaving and brutalising Yazidi women and girls.
“What message does this send both to survivors and other perpetrators?” she asks.
“It says, ‘You can rape, you can abuse and you can use sexual violence as a weapon of war, all without punishment.’ Militants around the world, in Russia, Sudan, DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] and Yemen are raping women with impunity.”
More than 2,000 Yazidi women and children are believed to still be held captive by ISIS terrorists or their supporters in the remote border regions of northern Iraq and Syria.
On Thursday, the organisation released its Status of Sinjar Report for 2023, which found that more than a third of Yazidis displaced by the ISIS invasion in 2014 have still not been able to return to their homes.
“By the time they were defeated in 2017, 80 per cent of infrastructure and 70 per cent of homes were in ruins,” says Ms Murad.
“So hundreds of thousands of Yazidis are stuck in displacement camps – sometimes only two hours away from their old home.”
Despite the ongoing trauma and enormous challenge of rebuilding thousands of lives, some progress has been made.
In June, six Yazidi women kidnapped as children in 2014 were rescued in Syria and repatriated to Kurdistan, where they have been undergoing psychosocial care.
Last September, an 18-year-old woman who was abducted from Ms Murad’s home village around the same time that she was taken was rescued from Al Hol camp in north-eastern Syria after the Kurdish forces guarding the camp uncovered covert ISIS activities there.
But securing their release is only a first step.
“Women who have survived conflict-related sexual violence are best placed to know what support they need,” says Ms Murad.
“But they need reparations, and that could be in the form of money, shelter or healthcare, and they need justice.”
As well as founding Nadia’s Initiative in 2018, Ms Murad has establish the Global Survivors Fund, an organisation that works to help secure reparations for survivors of sexual violence in war, alongside Denis Mukwege, with whom she shared the Nobel Peace Prize.
In Sinjar, Nadia’s Initiative is focusing its efforts on helping the Yazidi community recapture some semblance of normality.
With many Yazidi men murdered or still missing, initiatives supporting women-led households and their businesses are playing a key role in helping communities rebuild their lives. That means constructing new schools and childcare facilities for children as well as water and electrical infrastructure.
In recent months, Ms Murad returned to her home village of Kocho, where in February 2021, the remains of more than 100 local people killed by ISIS were reburied.
“It was heart-wrenching,” she recalls.
Aside from the challenges of rebuilding their lives, Yazidis in Iraq continue to face differences with other groups. In April, Yazidis in the city of Sinjar were accused of setting fire to a mosque, which then fuelled an online hate campaign against members of the group.
Many Yazidis, fearing hostilities from other groups and still traumatised by the events of recent years, have immigrated to Europe or Canada. Then there are the heart-breaking stories of rescued children who, following years of captivity, have forgotten their Yazidi customs, identity and family, preferring to return to their ISIS captors.
And the challenge of securing justice for survivors of sexual violence before it is too late is a huge one for Ms Murad.
“What discourages me are the leaders we have now,” she says.
“The politicians have been too slow to prosecute ISIS members and seem content to let rape be an accepted side effect of war.”
more from Janine di Giovanni
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The full list of 2020 Brit Award nominees (winners in bold):
British group
Coldplay
Foals
Bring me the Horizon
D-Block Europe
Bastille
British Female
Mabel
Freya Ridings
FKA Twigs
Charli xcx
Mahalia
British male
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy
Best new artist
Aitch
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Sam Fender
Best song
Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care
Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up
Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant
Dave - Location
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
International female
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
International male
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Tyler, The Creator
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
Best album
Stormzy - Heavy is the Head
Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka
Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Dave - Psychodrama
Harry Styles - Fine Line
Rising star
Celeste
Joy Crookes
beabadoobee
RESULTS
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jordan Sport, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: Jungle Cat, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Kimbear, Patrick Dobbs, Doug Watson
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner: Hawkbill, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Teams
India (playing XI): Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami
South Africa (squad): Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
