The Nobody’s Listening virtual reality experience will be available to those interested 5:30-6:15 p.m. Food and refreshments provided.

This panel discussion will mark the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, 12^th February 2023, by exploring the root causes of the Yazidi genocide, the dangers of violent extremism and how it contributed to ISIL’s atrocities in northern Iraq, and the importance of preventing violent extremism today.

Panel:

• Haroon Al Hayder, Yazda-Yazidi Cultural Center, will deliver testimony about the Yazidi tragedy and discuss the historic persecution and extremism against the Yazidi community. 
• Mr. Liam Duffy, Counter Extremism Project, will discuss extremism more broadly and projects undertaken by CEP to address extremism in its earliest forms.
• Dr. Austin Doctor, NCITE, will highlight the importance of efforts to dismantle ISIS ideology and the ongoing fight to prevent violent extremism. 
• Ms. Veronic Wright, UNOCT, will discuss multilateral efforts undertaken by the United Nations to address extremism and/or deliver justice for victims of ISIL atrocities. 

The event will be moderated by Ryan D’Souza, Director and Founder of Nobody’s Listening

As ISIS commenced its genocide against the Yazidi people of northern Iraq on 3 August 2014, tens of thousands of Yazidi civilians fled their homes and escaped to Mount Sinjar. On 7 August President Obama ordered a humanitarian intervention to prevent ‘a potential genocide’. In the immediacy of the unfolding tragedy, the Yazidi community began assisting the US State Department and Pentagon by providing coordination and information on where to drop aid and protect civilians. Together, their efforts saved countless lives and prevented further atrocities against this long-persecuted community.

This event is presented in partnership with Upstream, Nobody's Listening, the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy, Yazda, the National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE), and the Counter Extremism Project.