Genocide survivor was robbed in London just hours after meeting Duchess of Edinburgh

A genocide survivor who met the Duchess of Edinburgh last week was robbed just hours later, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Awaz Abdi, 22, was kidnapped by Isis and held prisoner as a young child in Iraq in 2014 before escaping and moving to Germany in 2015.

Awaz, part of the Yazidi minority group in Iraq, relayed her traumatic experiences to Sophie, 59, on Wednesday during an emotional event at the Foreign Office.

She was comforted by the duchess, who put her arm around her, and the touching images were published in the national press.

But the next day Awaz had her phone stolen in central London – leaving her devastated. 

She told The Mail on Sunday: Im really frustrated and sad, all my data and photos are on that phone.

The Duchess of Edinburgh (left) speaking to Yazidi survivor Awaz Abdi on November 27

Displaced Yazidi people fleeing violence from IS walk towards the Syrian border in 2014

Fighters from Islamic State drive through the streets of Mosul, Iraq in 2014

Awaz was captured a decade ago when Isis attacked her home region of Sinjar as part of a horrific campaign against the Yazidis. 

More than 3,000 men, women and children were killed.

She was held by Isis for weeks before escaping but her parents were enslaved for several months.

Eventually, she was reunited with them in Germany, where she is now studying politics.

On Wednesday Awaz shared her survival story for an exhibition about the genocide called The Women Who Beat Isis. 

She travelled to London for the event and spoke about the devastating impact on her family.

She said: I get very emotional sharing my story, its very hard to talk about.

But [Sophie] gave me a hug and said, Its very powerful, your parents would be very proud. 

It was very special. I felt a lot of warmth, like I knew her, because she was so relaxed and normal.

Its important to know that you are not alone with your pain and that you are seen by a person like her.

The next day, Awaz went sightseeing on Oxford Street and visited the popular clothing shop Bershka. 

I looked into my bag and suddenly I realised that I couldnt find my phone, she said.

On Friday, Awaz contacted the police, but has heard nothing back.

She said: Im upset but obviously angry as well. 

There are rumours of pickpocketing in London but this is unbelievable.

Commander Owain Richards of the Metropolitan Police said: We understand the impact that mobile phone theft can have on victims – its an invasive and sometimes violent crime – and were committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer.