Legacy of War
The United States has been at war for over two decades. While this has hardly registered at home, it has fundamentally altered societies across the Middle East and South Asia. Through our Legacy of War work, Zomia seeks to carry out in-depth, granular research on the consequences of U.S. military operations, as well as to provide humanitarian support for victims of war and advocate on their behalf. Zomia also studies the legacies of war of other actors, including regional governments and non-state actors like the Islamic State, and seeks to advocate on behalf of those affected by dictatorship and extremism.
Center for Missing Persons
Zomia runs a Center for Missing Persons in Manbij, Syria, which functions as a repository and clearinghouse where families can register cases of loved ones who have been forcibly disappeared by conflict actors. The center also trains locals in documentation and investigative techniques. Zomia staff have already documented more than 1000 cases and determined the fates of nearly 40 individuals, bringing much-needed closure to families.
Redress Program
The Zomia Center’s Redress Program advocates for civilians harmed in U.S. and Coalition military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Zomia helps impacted civilians request redress from the military, facilitates medical and rehabilitative assistance when possible, and advocates for accountability more broadly. Learn More.
Refugees in Tech
The Zomia Coding Project teaches coding and web development to Afghan refugees and helps them find work in tech. In Q2 of 2023, Zomia launched our first free immersive coding bootcamp for Afghan refugees, providing scholarships for eight recipients to study web development full time. Learn more.
Afghanistan Humanitarian Programs
Zomia’s programs in Afghanistan focus on the most inaccessible populations, where our network ensures aid delivery to those historically prevented from receiving services. Zomia implements both direct service programs and community-building initiatives that prioritize assistance for marginalized communities.
Birth Defects in Fallujah
The Iraqi city of Fallujah has suffered three major conflicts in recent years, including the U.S.-led Operation Phantom Fury in 2004. In the wake of this devastating assault, Iraqi physicians noted an increase in birth anomalies, which some experts contend is linked to the massive deployment of American weaponry. Zomia researchers are studying the levels and effects of lead and depleted uranium on birth outcomes.