Nadia Murad

Nadia Murad was born on March 10, 1993, in the village of Kocho, located in the Sinjar District of Iraq. She belongs to the Yazidi ethnic and religious minority group, which has historically faced persecution. Her early life in Kocho was shaped by the traditions and culture of the Yazidis, who have resided in the region for centuries. This background set the stage for the significant hardships she would later endure.

On August 3, 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) launched a brutal attack on the Sinjar region in northern Iraq, home to many Yazidis, including Nadia Murad. This attack led to the massacre of thousands of Yazidi people and the abduction of many women and children. Nadia Murad was among the women and girls captured by ISIS fighters, who subjected them to sexual slavery, forced conversion, and other atrocities. This traumatic event marked a turning point in Murad's life.

In November 2015, Nadia Murad managed to escape from ISIS captivity with the help of a Muslim family near Mosul that risked their lives to smuggle her to safety. Her escape was facilitated through a network that helped Yazidi women flee from their captors. After escaping, Nadia eventually made her way to a refugee camp and later sought refuge in Germany, where she began to recover and share her story with the world.

On September 16, 2016, Nadia Murad was appointed as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking. In her new role, she focused on raising awareness about human trafficking, especially the plight of the Yazidis and other minorities targeted by ISIS. This appointment marked her emergence as a leading advocate for victims of violence and human trafficking, using her platform to speak at international forums.

On October 5, 2018, Nadia Murad was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Dr. Denis Mukwege for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. The Nobel Committee recognized her courage in sharing her own experience as a victim of war crimes and her advocacy work for victims of sexual violence. This prestigious award brought significant international attention to the issues of sexual violence and the plight of the Yazidi people.

On December 10, 2018, Nadia Murad delivered her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway. In her emotional address, she highlighted the ongoing suffering of the Yazidi people and the need for justice and accountability for the crimes committed against them. She called for the global community to take action to prevent atrocities and ensure that survivors of sexual violence receive the support they need. Her speech was widely covered by the media and praised for its impactful message.

On January 28, 2019, Nadia Murad's memoir 'The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State' was published. The book recounts her harrowing experience of being captured and enslaved by ISIS, her escape, and her journey to becoming a global advocate for victims of sexual violence. The memoir serves as both a personal narrative and a call to action, urging readers to support the fight against human trafficking and sexual violence. It received widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling.

On February 24, 2020, Nadia Murad officially launched Nadia's Initiative, a program dedicated to helping communities in crisis, focusing on the Yazidi homeland in Sinjar, Iraq. The Initiative advocates for the rights of marginalized groups and works on projects aimed at providing education, rebuilding infrastructure, and creating sustainable income opportunities for survivors. This launch was a significant step in her efforts to repair and rebuild war-torn communities and ensure a future for survivors of violence.

On September 24, 2021, the Iraqi Parliament passed the Yazidi Survivors Law, which was influenced by Nadia Murad's advocacy. The law aims to provide reparations and support to survivors of ISIS captivity, including compensation, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts. Nadia Murad played a key role in advocating for this legislation, which represents a formal acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against the Yazidi people and a commitment to supporting their recovery.

On December 1, 2021, a new United Nations resolution addressing sexual violence in conflict was adopted, thanks in part to the advocacy efforts of Nadia Murad. The resolution focuses on strengthening measures to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, ensuring survivor-centered approaches, and enhancing accountability for perpetrators. Murad's tireless work in raising awareness about sexual violence in conflicts has contributed significantly to shaping international policy.