Implementing OFWI’s proposal to resettle 400 Yazidi girls and women used as ISIS sex slaves to be at the heart of Rev. El Shafie’s testimony to the Immigration Committee on July 20th. OTTAWA – Rev. Majed El Shafie will present OFWI’s plan for Canada to resettle 400 Yazidi sex slaves and their families while testifying to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on July 20.

OFWI welcomes the Committee’s study of “Immigration Measures for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups” and hopes this will serve as a catalyst for tangible action to help vulnerable minorities in Iraq and Syria following the government’s reluctance to recognize the ongoing genocide of Yazidis.

As hearings get underway this week, Rev. El Shafie said:

“In June Canada followed the EU, UK, US, and UN’s lead in finally recognizing the genocide Yazidis are facing in Iraq and Syria. Now Canada must demonstrate leadership by implementing OFWI’s proposal to resettle 400 girls and women used as former ISIS sex slaves to as refugees to Canada.”

 “OFWI’s proposal helps the most vulnerable victims in the region who are being systemically targeted by ISIS and unable to escape. I hope our government will give action to Canadian values and resettle these victims saved from ISIS’ slavery and brutality.”

OFWI’s efforts in Iraq & Syria in response to ISIS’ brutality builds on its legacy of advancing the rights of persecuted religious minorities around the world. Over the past two years, OWFI has successfully help rescue over 300 Yazidi sex slaves from ISIS territory.

Appendix:

1. Proposal to resettle 400 Yazidi sex slaves and their families to Canada
2. Report submitted to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
3. Media release and notice of media availability