The Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, research and educational organization that was established in September 1996 WKI is committed to the following objectives: Increasing public awareness of Kurd-related issues Protecting human, cultural, and political rights throughout Kurdistan Supporting and developing Kurdistan’s civil society Improving and increasing access to Kurdish cultural and educational resources Advocating for effective solutions to Kurd-related issues