About HOC
Established in 2022 by Mirza Dinnayi, the 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate, the House of Coexistence is a community project in Sinjar. With 1200 sqm of space and a 2-hectare green museum, it’s an independent initiative supported by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. The House offers facilities for seminars, training, therapy, and care units, focusing on survivors and community members. It promotes cooperation among international NGOs, UN agencies, and local civil society.
The House of Coexistence’s green museum highlights the coexistence of different ethnoreligious groups in the region like Yezidis, Sunnis, Shias, Armenians, and Syriac Christians. It aims to build peace in a conflict-affected region, addressing the aftermath of the 2014 Yezidi Genocide.
Programming Principles:
The organization’s programs are based on several key principles:
Strong Partnerships:
It emphasizes building strong partnerships and collaborations.
Conflict Prevention:
The House of Coexistence aims to prevent conflicts through conflict resolution strategies.
Empowering People
The House of Coexistence focuses on empowering various groups, including youth, women, institutions, and organizations.
Addressing Discrimination:
The organization works towards addressing discrimination in all its forms.
Sustainability of Results:
Ensuring that the outcomes of its initiatives are sustainable over the long term.
Empowering Women and Girls:
Embracing the principles of feminist ideology and gender equality, the House of Coexistence is resolute in its dedication to empowering women and girls.
Social Cohesion
In full cognizance of the profound suffering borne out of the 2014 Yezidi Genocide, coupled with the ensuing displacement that befell the Sinjar region, the House of Coexistence recognizes the imperative of forging social cohesion among the heterogeneous ethnoreligious groups, thereby fostering an environment conducive to harmonious coexistence. Addressing challenges entailing inter-group tensions, infrastructural ruins, and the repatriation of uprooted individuals, HOC employs a strategic toolkit that encompasses facilitating dialogues, imparting socio-political training, and orchestrating events that celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural diversity. The overarching objective is to engender inclusivity and comprehension, with a view to precluding prospective conflicts.
Our Vision
The House of Coexistence envisions a world characterized by peace, understanding, and conflict prevention through education and skill-building. This vision is rooted in a multicultural, nonviolent community approach where common interests are defended and common challenges are tackled collaboratively. The House of Coexistence aspires to promote transitional justice, restore the lives of affected individuals, and rebuild regions post-conflict. It aims to be both a local initiative and a strong partner in the global peace movement.
Mission
The House of Coexistence seeks to facilitate sustainable peace.
Values
The House of Coexistence is guided by the following core values: Respect for Diversity, Commitment, Partnership, Integrity.
Development
Through the strategic execution of various programs, the organization is committed to engendering development in regions ravaged by conflict, notably encompassing Sinjar, Ninawa Plain, and other post-conflict zones within Iraq.
Strengthening Local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
In the aftermath of the harrowing events of the 2014 Genocide, civil society organizations (CSOs) have emerged as consequential players, particularly in rural regions inhabited by minority communities. HOC takes upon itself the task of empowering these local CSOs, providing a platform to undertake projects devoid of any financial obligations. Furthermore, it aspires to serve as an exemplar for nascent civil society groups, endowing them with resources and skillsets essential for effectively representing the collective voice of the populace.
