Professional Affiliation

Co-Founder & President, Yazda Organization

Expert Bio

Mr. Haider Elias is the Co-founder and the President of Yazda Organization. He previously worked for the U.S. government in Iraq as a translator and cultural advisor. Haider lost his younger brother in the attack against the Yazidi people in August 2014. He then became involved in helping the victims and in advocating to prevent future genocides against minorities. He co-founded Nadia’s Initiative in December 2015, dedicated to rebuilding communities in crisis and globally advocating for survivors of sexual violence. He has been traveling around the world to raise awareness of the Yazidi Cause.