CPHS Stages the Voice of Peace, Resilience, and Courage for Yazidi Girls

Duhok, Kurdistan Region – On October 21, 2025, the AUK’s Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS) hosted an inspiring concert and photographic exhibition titled “Resonance of Resilience: A Concert and Art Exhibition by the Ashti Choir of Yazidi Girls.” The concert was organized in collaboration with the UK-based Amar International Foundation; the photographic exhibition was organized by Khalsa Aid International.

The event brought together students, faculty, academics, writers, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of the media, all united to celebrate peace, healing, and empowerment through the arts. It highlighted the journey of resilience of the Kurdish-Yazidi community after years of suffering and displacement. Through emotional performances and expressive imagery, the event amplified the voices of young Yazidi girls, some of whom had survived captivity under ISIS.

After a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Yazidi genocide and the martyrs of Kurdistan, Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, delivered a welcoming speech emphasizing the University’s commitment to promoting peace and inclusion. Associate Professor Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director of CPHS, highlighted the importance of the Yazidi community for Kurdistan and commended their courage and steadfast resistance.

Mr. Andrew Methven, Chief of Staff at the Amar International Foundation, provided the choir’s message and expressed his gratitude for the partnership with AUK, CPHS, and Khalsa Aid, whose Sozan Fahmi also delivered remarks on the importance of humanitarian collaboration in supporting vulnerable communities.

The concert featured performances by the Ashti Choir of Yazidi Girls and a short documentary produced by CPHS in collaboration with the Free Yazidi Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Hussam Rekani, a PhD candidate at the University of Duhok, presented a brief talk on his research on the role of art in healing and resilience.

“Resonance of Resilience” reflected the mission of both AUK and CPHS in peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, and community engagement.