Achieving Justice for Yazidi Women: Legal Frameworks and Challenges Post-Isis

Abstract

This study explores the legal and judicial frameworks for addressing the crimes committed by Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) against Yazidi women in Iraq, focusing on both international law and domestic legal systems. The actions of ISIS are classified as core international crimes under international law. This research highlights the challenges of prosecuting these crimes within Iraq and through international institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC). Additionally, the study evaluates Iraq's legal system and identifies gaps in its ability to prosecute international crimes, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive justice approach. Finally, through the empirical data such as semi-structured interview, the research considers the potential for creating a post-ISIS justice framework in Iraq, with support from the United Nations Investigative Team (UNITAD), in line with international criminal law and transitional justice principles. The findings suggest that international investigative mechanisms could play a critical role in aiding national prosecutions, potentially establishing a new standard for addressing atrocities.