Introduction
Mediha Ibrahim Alhamad's narrative is a poignant testament to resilience, fortitude, and the transformative potency of storytelling. At the tender age of 10, she was forcibly abducted from her home in Sinjar, Iraq, by the Islamic State (IS), plunging her into three years of unimaginable captivity marked by unspeakable horrors, including sexual enslavement among IS fighters. At the age of 19, Mediha discovered solace in the world of film, a sanctuary she stumbled upon after being gifted a camera by the US documentary filmmaker Hasan Oswald. Their paths crossed five years ago at a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in the region, where Oswald was conducting his reporting. It was there that Mediha found her voice, beginning the cathartic process of recounting her family's harrowing story and documenting her own struggles post-captivity – a journey she describes as having "saved my life."
"When nobody would listen to me and I was told not to talk about what I went through, the camera became my only friend," reflects Mediha. "I found that when I spoke to it and confided in it, I would instantly feel better, like a weight lifted off of me. I used the camera, and now the film itself, to heal in many ways. It was my outlet and it remains so."
The culmination of Mediha's footage has resulted in the creation of an award-winning documentary aptly titled "Mediha," premiering in the UK. Executive produced by acclaimed actor Emma Thompson, the film offers a poignant glimpse into Mediha's life, opening with scenes from the IDP camp in Iraqi Kurdistan where she resided with her uncle and two brothers following her liberation from captivity in 2017. Among the captured moments are tender shots from her parents' wedding, juxtaposed with Mediha's poignant commentary on the uncertain fate of her father, Ibrahim, and the continued absence of her mother, Afaf.
A Tale of Unyielding Resilience
Mediha's odyssey from captivity to liberation epitomizes unwavering resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite enduring unfathomable torment, she refused to succumb to silence. Instead, she wielded a camera as a powerful weapon against her oppressors, utilizing it as a conduit for self-expression and healing. Through her lens, she immortalized the harrowing realities of life under IS rule while simultaneously showcasing the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Redefining the Power Dynamic
Oswald's decision to entrust Mediha with a camera marked a profound shift in the traditional power dynamic between filmmaker and subject. No longer a passive victim, Mediha emerged as an active participant in her own narrative, seizing agency and control over her story. This empowering act enabled her to transcend the confines of her trauma, transforming her from a voiceless victim into a formidable storyteller and advocate for change.
The Impact of "Mediha"
As Mediha diligently captured her own footage and video diaries, Oswald's lens focused on the tireless efforts of those dedicated to locating and rescuing Yazidi captives. Amidst the chaos and desperation, one scene in particular stands out: a rescuer sifts through conversations on messaging apps, stumbling upon a chilling message offering a 12-year-old girl for sale as a slave, her innocence stripped away, her value reduced to a mere commodity. It reads: “slave for sell 12 years old not virgin very beautiful in raqqa … $13,000 letzter preis!! [final price].”
Oswald's commentary on the current state of rescue efforts paints a bleak picture.
"Today, little to nothing is being done in terms of rescues," he laments. "As our film was finishing up, we witnessed the last resources dry up and pretty much all rescues stopped. There is no national or international effort to return the missing, and very little is being done in terms of helping the survivors. Most of the efforts come at a local level through NGOs and private groups."
The emotional heart of the documentary lies in the poignant reunion of Mediha with her two brothers, who were rescued before her, and their youngest brother, Barzan. Sold as an infant for a paltry sum of $120 to an IS family devoid of children, Barzan's tearful plea to return to the woman he knows as his "mother" – the IS woman who raised him for five years – tugs at the heartstrings. As Mediha holds him close, enveloped in a blanket of reassurance, the depth of their bond and the magnitude of their shared trauma become palpable.
"I want to show and tell the world what happened to my people and what is still happening," declares Mediha with steely resolve. "I want to inspire other girls in the region to speak out. Not just Yazidi girls but also girls who have gone through something similar and are scared to tell the world what happened to them." Beyond bearing witness to her own pain, Mediha harbors a faint glimmer of hope that the film may serve as a beacon in the search for her mother. "I have a faint wish and hope that my mother is still alive and that maybe someone will recognize her in the film and tell her that we are alive," she confides. "I know she would be proud of this film and of me. If she is alive, I know she would come home if she knew her children are alive and well."
The premiere of "Mediha" at the Human Rights Watch film festival at the Barbican in London on 14 March marked a pivotal moment in Mediha's journey, one that amplifies her voice and the voices of countless others who have endured similar traumas.
Life Under the Islamic State
In early 2016, Human Rights Watch conducted interviews shedding light on the harrowing experiences of women under the control of ISIS. These interviews captured the voices of both Sunni Muslim Arab women from the Hawija area in Iraq and Yezidi women and girls who had endured unimaginable suffering after being abducted by ISIS.
The testimonies of Yezidi women and girls, who had endured captivity for over a year after being forcibly converted to Islam, painted a grim picture of their ordeal. They spoke of being subjected to sexual slavery, sold in markets like commodities, and facing abuse from multiple ISIS members. Moreover, Human Rights Watch documented systematic rape of Yezidi women and girls in early 2015, highlighting the extent of the atrocities committed against them. Sunni women from areas under ISIS control in western Kirkuk governorate also shared their stories of severe restrictions on their freedom, including limitations on clothing and movement enforced through violence or fines on their male relatives.
Living under ISIS rule exacerbated their suffering, with food scarcity and cash shortages worsening due to governmental restrictions. Fear of airstrikes by the United States-led coalition and Iraqi government forces further heightened their anguish, prompting many to flee their homes in search of safety. In addition to facing physical and psychological trauma, women and girls encountered barriers to accessing essential services like healthcare and education due to discriminatory ISIS policies. The ban on girls attending school in rural areas and the pervasive presence of ISIS fighters and female "morality police" instilled fear, making it difficult for women to seek assistance.
The plight of Yezidi women and girls remains dire, with thousands still believed to be in ISIS captivity. Reports of torture, sexual slavery, and arbitrary detention suggest the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
The United Nations has raised concerns about the possibility of genocide against the Yezidi community, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address these crimes. Efforts to prosecute perpetrators and provide support to survivors are crucial steps towards combating extremism and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
The aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq has seen an alarming rise in suicide attacks, surpassing 900 incidents, setting a global record. These attacks have claimed the lives of over 10,000 individuals since 2003. In response to resilient targets and stringent checkpoints, groups resorting to suicide terrorism in Iraq have increasingly relied on female suicide bombers.
These women conceal explosives beneath their traditional robes, enabling them to evade security measures more easily. They are often recruited due to their ability to bypass checkpoints and their perceived expendability in lower-ranking roles within these organizations. Many of these prospective bombers have previous ties to such groups and are susceptible to psychological manipulation following traumatic experiences, such as personal loss or grief. Their motivations are often rooted in a desire for vengeance, driving them to approach their targets alone, indicating a heightened level of commitment.
In some instances, coercion and deception are utilized to recruit these women. To effectively counter female suicide attacks, it is imperative to diminish local support for such operations and terrorism overall. This includes efforts to apprehend terrorist groups, de-escalate conflict, reduce instances of trauma and loss, deploy female personnel at checkpoints to screen women, and provide comprehensive social, professional, and psychological support to women vulnerable to recruitment for these missions.
Answering the Call to Action
As the world bears witness to Mediha's narrative, it is incumbent upon us all to heed her impassioned call to action. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of the Yazidi people. Concerted efforts are imperative to ensure the safe return of those still missing and to hold their perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes. Through collective action, solidarity, and unwavering determination, we can inscribe a new chapter in the annals of the Yazidi community – one defined by resilience, justice, and hope.
Conclusion
Mediha Ibrahim Alhamad's journey serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit's ability to triumph over seemingly insurmountable adversity. Through her unwavering courage, resilience, and unwavering determination, she has transcended the shackles of her past, emerging as a beacon of light amidst the darkness. As her story continues to captivate audiences worldwide, let us heed the invaluable lessons it imparts – the enduring power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and catalyze change on a global scale.
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