Victims of ISIS often experience profound suffering, including physical harm, psychological trauma and societal stigma. CIGE’s Victim Support Unit (VSU) has a team of psychologists and social workers who aim to ensure that survivors encounter a safe and supportive environment throughout their engagement with CIGE, without further harm, to the fullest extent possible.
Psychosocial support is an essential part of CIGE's work, in recognition of the psychological effect of the violence and destruction carried out by ISIS. We understand that emotional and psychological wellbeing is vital for recovery. CIGE’s team of psychologists and social workers ensure that survivors receive essential resources and assistance to address and overcome their experiences. This includes vulnerability and wellness assessments, counselling, group therapy, a sexual and gender-based violence instant response mechanism and referrals.
CIGE runs training programs for survivors to improve and understand mental health. The programs include trauma coping techniques, life-skills trainings, and awareness raising campaigns about the rights of survivors. The programs are designed to survivors living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Duhok governorate and Zakho, with the goal of enhancing their resilience and aiding their recovery despite the challenging conditions that they face.
Yezidi, Turkmen, Shabak and Christian survivors of ISIS atrocities are eligible for reparations through a program established by the Iraqi Council of Representatives on 01 March 2021. CIGE helps by issuing survivors with official supporting letters that confirm their eligibility for reparations. These letters are crucial for validating survivors’ experiences and supporting their right to reparation, including compensation and assistance. CIGE also refers survivors to other organisations for additional help, ensuring that they get the support needed to complete their application for reparations. In addition, CIGE engages in reparations discussions with CSOs to improve survivors' access to reparations and identify potential new avenues for support.
During conflict and upheaval, the loss or damage of essential documents - such as identification papers, birth certificates, and property deeds - can heavily impact people’s identity and legal status. To help with this, CIGE provides certificates that verify the need for new documents. These certificates are important steps in the process to reissue documents through government channels. CIGE is dedicated to help restore these crucial documents, which are vital for maintaining legal rights and rebuilding lives amidst adversity. Additionally, CIGE connects survivors with organisations and resources that meet their needs, offering referrals for legal aid, advocacy services, and other necessary support.