Protecting Yazidi cultural heritage through women: An international feminist law analysis

The purpose of this article is to consider, from an international law perspective, the relationship existing between violence, gender, and culture, referring to the specific situation of women belonging to the Yazidi minority, who have been abducted, raped, and sold by the Islamic State. I will demonstrate that women can be those who, despite huge suffering, will be able to preserve the unique culture of this minority during post-conflict situations. From an international law perspective, I will investigate the possibility that the crimes committed against the Yazidis are brought before the International Criminal Court, and I will recommend that a women s tribunal be established in order to give voice to the victims/survivors. I will demonstrate that the participation of women during the negotiations for peace in post-conflict situations is essential, and that the protection of intangible cultural heritage through women could be achieved learning the lesson from preceding successful experiences.