Bringing light to Yazidi refugees in Iraq

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During the latter years of the 2010s, a genocide unfolded in Northern Iraq, in Sinjar, Kurdistan. Thousands of Yazidi men were killed, while women and children were abducted. Over 100,000 Yazidi refugees still live atop Sinjar Mountain, with many others in camps near Dohuk, most of which have no electricity, some receiving only two hours of power a day.

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SmartAID (formerly iAID) responded by delivering solar-powered lights to the mountaintop. In collaboration with Yazidi Emergency Support (YES), and with the invaluable support of Baderkhan and DHL, who transported the lights from China to Dohuk, we were able to reach those in need.

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The lights provided more than just illumination; they brought safety. For women, the light in the toilets meant protection against potential attacks and assaults, allowing them to venture out at night without fear. Children received the lights first, enabling them to study after dark. Families shared meals together for the first time in the safety of light. One woman sewed for 6-7 hours straight, working by the light until it ran out, a powerful testament to the impact of your donations.

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