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Paris, 2 days after November 2015 attacks. Place de la République. Muslim meets Charlie. false alert at Carillon.
On Global Open Day on UNSCR 1325, calls for men to champion and support women’s participation in politics and in decision-making
Basra, 01 November 2017 – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), jointly with UNWOMEN and in coordination with the Implementation and Follow Up National Reconciliation Committee (IFNRC) of the Office of Iraq’s Prime Minister, held a consultative forum with women leaders and members of the Basra, Muthanna, Thi Qar and Missan Provincial Councils in Basra on 01 November 2017 with the focus on strengthening women’s political participation. This is the fourth such meeting within the context of observing the Global Open Day and the 17th Anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325.
As in the previous consultative meetings that were held in Karbala, Baghdad and Erbil in October, the participants in Basra echoed the similar concerns by women leaders across the country. They noted the retrogression of women’s participation in Iraq’s politics. They urged UNAMI and UNWOMEN to engage male champions to support women’s participation and to also press the heads of political blocs and political leaders to act in support of women issues.
In her intervention, Ms. Yusra Naji, member of Missan Provincial Council, decried male political leaders for marginalizing women. “The Iraqi society is male dominated, women are not invited to negotiations, they have no political rights, they are not represented in the Presidency, the Council of Representatives presidency, there are only two women Ministers, yet there is no legislation preventing women from occupying these high level positions,” Ms. Naji said.
Ms. Zahra al-Bachari Member of Basra Provincial Council, noted that “men can help lead the charge with women in enacting legislation that promotes women’s rights, repealing laws and policies that discriminate against women and limit opportunities. She further added: “Women should be promoted to leadership positions as we are observing the upcoming elections of both Provincial and Council of representatives, elections we aim to have more women represented in decision-making positions.”
Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq Ján Kubiš, in remarks delivered by UNAMI Director of Political Affairs, Manoj Mathew, reiterated that Gender balance in Iraqi politics can only be achieved if political leaders could work side by side with women to share responsibility of breaking cultural norms and practices as well as institutional, structural and legal barriers that hinder women’s equal and meaningful political participation.
“We need male champions, proactive work by male champions, in partnership with women is necessary to establish an environment that empowers women’s political participation at all levels of governance and decision-making.”
“For the historic settlement and reconciliation to succeed it must be inclusive. This is critically important for the unity and stability of the country and peaceful coexistence amongst all citizens, components and minorities. Women – and youth - must be critical agents of such positive change, in building a new post-Daesh Iraq, in shaping the future of the country for the generations to come,” the SRSG’s statement said.
Mr. Kubiš acknowledged the efforts of the Cross-Sector Task Force on the implementation of the Iraq National Action Plan on 1325, while stressing that “it is time to strengthen the implementation of the participation pillar of the Iraqi National Action Plan on the Security Council Resolution 1325 which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.”
UNAMI Gender Advisor, Ms. Mmabatlharo Dihemo, emphasized that political leaders can support the advancement of women in decision-making bodies by advocating for temporary special measures, promoting women to leadership roles and ensuring woman have equal career development opportunities.
UN WOMEN Representative in Iraq, Ms. Dina Zorba, commended the government, civil society, and national and international partners for continued commitment to UNSCR 1325. Ms. Zorba urged the government to work to ensure gender issues are incorporated in all democratization and nation-building agendas, and called on the UN, the government, and the International Community to continue to advocate for and protect the rights of women and girls.Ms. Zorba emphasized UN commitment to refocusing its work around women’s political participation at all levels.
In the context of marking the 17th Anniversary of UN SCR 1325 and the Global Open Day, UNAMI and UN WOMEN also organized in Karbala capacity-building training on Basic Mediation and Negotiation skills for women leaders, Provincial Council members and civil society representative from Karbala, Wassit, Najaf and Diwaniya, (9-12 October). A similar training was organised for women leaders and activists, members of Provincial Councils, district and sub-district councils from Basra, Missan, Thi Qar and Muthana (29 October-1 November). Both training programmes were jointly organised and funded by UNAMI and UN WOMEN under the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and UNWOMEN gender and mediation strategy.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Mehrere Dutzend syrische Aktivisten und Unterstützer der demokratischen Opposition in Syrien protestieren mit einer Kundgebung am Brandenburger Tor in Berlin gegen das Regime von Diktator Baschar al-Assad. Ebenso sprechen sie sich gegen die Anwesenheit von Truppen Russlands und des Iran, sowie von Milizen wie der Hisbollah aus. Ebenso richten sich Sprechchöre gegen Daesh. Sie fordern ein Ende des Assad-Regimes und die Ahndung von Kriegsverbrechen.
Zeitgleich steht auf der anderen Seite des Brandenburger Tores das Kunstwerk "Monument" von Manaf Halbouni im Rahmen des 3. Herbstsalons. Dieses erinnert an Busse, die im syrischen Aleppo zum Schutze von Zivilisten vor Scharfschützen aufgestellt wurden.
160814-M-AF202-020 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 14, 2016) Marines assigned to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ordnance on an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) on Aug. 14, 2016. The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders)
Die Partei Die Linke verleiht in Berlin Kreuzberg zum achten Mal den Clara-Zetkin-Frauenpreis an Initiativen, die sich im vergangenen Jahr für die Rechte von Frauen in der Gesellschaft stark gemacht haben.
Preisträger 2018 ist die Initiative "TAJÊ - Freiheitsbewegung/Frauenräte der ezidischen Frauen", die jesidische Frauen berät und in der Bewältigung ihrer Erlebnisse durch die Verfolgung und Versklavung durch Daesh (IS) hilft. Der Sonderpreis geht dieses Jahr an Dr. Kristina Hänel, die nicht nur auf ein Leben im Kampf für die Rechte von Frauen zurückblicken kann, sondern zudem auch bundesweite Bekanntheit erlangte, nachdem sie nach §219a StGB verurteilt wurde.
Insgesamt wurden acht Initiativen nominiert. Der CareSlam! wurde von Yvonne Falckner begründet und gibt Pflegenden eine Bühne, um über ihre Arbeitsbedingungen zu sprechen. Bekannt wurde das Format durch einen Auftritt der CareSlammerin Sabrina Maar in der ZDF-Sendung "Die Anstalt" Anfang Dezember 2017. Ebenfalls nominiert wurde ein "Containerprojekt für wohnungslose Frauen", welches sich den besonderen Anforderungen von Frauen und Transgendern in der Obdachlosigkeit annimmt und ihnen eine unterkunft bietet. Das "Frauenorchesterprojekt (FOP)" ist ein Frauenchor unter der Leitung von Mary Ellen Kitchens, welcher es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, Musik von Frauen hörbar zu machen. Die "Kontaktstelle "Frauen für Frauen" wurde ebenso nominiert wie "RosaLinde e.V.- Queer Refugee Network" kämpft gegen die sprichwörtlichen "Sächsischen Zustände" an, indem es queeren Geflüchteten in Leipzig Unterstützung und Beratung zuteil werden lässt. Der "ver.di-Bezirksfrauenrat München" legt ein Augenmerk auf die Bedürfnisse und Herausforderungen von Frauen im Berufsleben.
Die einzelnen Projekte wurden von Politikerinnen der Partei Die Linke vorgestellt. Darunter waren Simone Barrientos (MdB), Lucy Redler, Juliane Nagel (MdB). Die Preise wurden von Katja Kipping übergeben. Für die musikalische Begleitung sorgte die Rapperin aus Zimbabwe AWA KHIWE.
On Global Open Day on UNSCR 1325, Calls for Greater Women Role in Future of post-Daesh Iraq
Baghdad/Erbil, 24 October 2017 – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), jointly with UNWOMEN within the context of the observing the Global Open Day and the 17th Anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325, held consultative forums with senior political leadership in Baghdad and Erbil on 23 and 24 October, with the focus on strengthening women’s political participation.
In both Baghdad and Erbil, the concerns of women, their participation in society, the political process and decision-making were raised. Participants were categorical in stating that there have been long-standing barriers which have continued to impede women’s participation and representation in the political process. Particularly, participants noted a regression in women’s representation in executive, legislative as well as judiciary branches of government. Further, participants decried that leaderships of political parties have not given sufficient opportunities to women to fully and equally participate in politics. Recommendations were proposed, including a specific request made to the political leaders to give women an opportunity to be part of the solution. Participants also called for legislation to promote and increase women’s participation in politics and governance as well as to promote them to decision-making positions.
In Baghdad, the meeting on 23 October was organized in collaboration with the Implementation and Follow-up Commission for National Reconciliation in the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Health and Environment, H.E. Adila Hammoud, Adviser to the Prime Minister on reconciliation, Mr. Mohammed Salman, the Speaker of Parliament’s representative Dr. Ahmed Rushdy, Advisor to the President of the Republic, Juan Masoum, heads of political blocs and other government representatives, parliamentary Committee heads, MPs as well as academics, in addition to representatives of UNAMI and UNWOMEN.
H.E. Ms. Adila Hammoud, the Minister of Health and Environment, stated that to overcome social barriers and challenges impeding women’s participation required a concerted effort and commitment from political leaders and decision-makers, noting “the significant successes of many Iraqi women on the executive and legislative levels and their ability to play an essential role in peace making and societal reconciliation.”
Mr. Mohammad Salman of the reconciliation committee, in his opening remarks, said the meeting is a “golden opportunity for all to benefit from the accumulated experiences of peoples” that the UN holds as it works to support women issues.
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, emphasized in his remarks at the meetings in Baghdad and Erbil that women in Iraq are agents of positive change and they must be given the opportunity to act in that critical role in shaping the future of their country in the post-Daesh period.
“Equality and empowerment of women must be central to all peace, justice, reconciliation and reform efforts in the post-Daesh period. Women’s participation is crucial for an effective, successful and sustainable peace processes and reform. Only through their direct and meaningful participation their voices will be heard,” Mr. Kubiš said.
The consultative meeting in Erbil was convened on 24 October by UNAMI in collaboration with UN WOMEN and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s High Council for Women Affairs. It was attended by Interior Minister H.E. Mr. Karim Sinjari, Minister of the Department of Foreign Relations H.E. Mr. Falah Al-Mustafa, Secretary-General of the High Council for Women’s Affairs Ms. Pakhshan Zangana, Spokesperson to Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Safeen Dizayi, and women leaders, in addition to representatives of UNAMI and UN WOMEN.
In remarks at the Erbil meeting, Ms. Pakshan Zangana, the Secretary-General of the High Council for Women’s Affairs in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said the recent crisis in Kirkuk have seen displacements of civilians including women, the elderly and children. She urged the UN to strengthen its efforts towards addressing the needs to those displaced.
In Erbil, Mr. Kubiš acknowledged the efforts of the Cross-Sector Task Force on the implementation of the Iraq National Action Plan on 1325. “Regardless of all issues between Baghdad and Erbil, the collaboration of women group representatives from both Baghdad and Erbil has been remarkable. It is a good model of constructive cooperation that should inspire also the process of finding solutions to the current crisis between Baghdad and Erbil. Women must play a key role also in these endeavors.”
The SRSG recalled the particularly brutal treatment of women and girls by Daesh terrorists and pointed out to UN Security Council resolution 2379, passed in September to establish an investigative team to support domestic efforts to hold Daesh accountable.
UN WOMEN Representative in Iraq, Ms. Dina Zorba, in both meetings in Baghdad and Erbil, commended the government, civil society, and national and international partners for continued commitment to UNSCR 1325, stating that Iraq is the first country in the Middle East to launch a national plan to implement 1325. She urged the government to work to ensure gender issues are incorporated in all democratization and nation building agendas, and called on the UN, the government, and the International Community to continue to advocate for and protect the rights of women and girls.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Diyarbakir (Amed), Fête du Newroz 2015. Cette année, la fête de Newroz qui marque le nouvel an kurde, symbole de renaissance et de résistance pour ce peuple, se déroule dans un contexte particulièrement tendu. Depuis décembre 2015, l'était turc assiège et bombarde des quartiers entiers de villes kurdes, où populatins civiles comme militants sont indistinctement massacrés, et soumet l'ensemble de la population kurde à un violente répression. D'un autre côté, la peur d'un attentat suicide de daesh est dans toutes les têtes. Malgré tout, même si ils sont moins nombreux que les années passées, les Kurdes se rejoignent à Amed, capitale du Kurdistan, pour fêter Newroz et célébrer leur résistance.
Rund 800 Türken versammeln sich am Brandenburger Tor in Berlin, um gegen Terror zu protestieren. Gemeint sind dabei Gruppen wie die PKK, die syrisch-kurdische PYD und Daesh. Die Teilnehmer waren überwiegend glühende Anhänger des türkischen Präsidenten Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Dieser wurde auch in den Redebeiträgen gelobt. Vereinzelt wurde von Teilnehmern der Wolfsgruß der ultra-nationalistischen, rechtsradikalen Grauen Wölfe gezeigt.
Die Polizei sperrte den Bereich ab, um ein Aufeinandertreffen mit einer zeitgleich stattfindenden kurdischen Gegenkundgebung zu verhindern.
160814-M-AF202-099 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 14, 2016) Marines assigned to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ordnance on an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) on Aug. 14, 2016. The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders)
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Ms. Pramila Patten Concludes Visit to Iraq and Stresses Need to Do More to Protect and Support Victims of Daesh’s Sexual Violence Crimes
(Baghdad/New York, 05 March 2018)
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, concluded an eight-day visit to Iraq during which she heard first-hand the heart wrenching accounts of survivors of Daesh’s sexual violence. She stressed the need to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are fully protected and that perpetrators of these horrendous crimes are brought to justice.
Special Representative Patten met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and with other senior Government officials, at federal, regional and provincial levels in Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul. She also engaged directly with survivors, civil society groups and with Christian, Shia, Sunni, Turkmen Shia and Yazidi religious leaders. A strong message from the survivors relating to the plight of women and girls still under captivity as well as their missing family members was taken up with the Government by Special Representative Patten. She enquired about ongoing efforts to locate those missing and urged the authorities to expedite their rescue.
Many of the women who remain displaced expressed serious safety concerns regarding their return to their homes and shared their fear of reprisals. “I call on all religious and tribal leaders to welcome back survivors of sexual violence and their children, and the Government to find legal avenues to recognize their children as Iraqi citizens,” said Ms. Patten. “It is essential for all to work towards shifting the stigma from the victims to the perpetrators. I also urge the Government to ensure that women and girls who were victims of Daesh are not wrongfully perceived as being their ‘affiliates’.”
During discussion with Iraqi Officials on the question of justice and accountability, while acknowledging the efforts of the Government, the Special Representative stressed the importance of ensuring that alleged perpetrators are held accountable not only for the crime of terrorism but for the full extent of the sexual violence crimes perpetrated on Iraqi women and children including abduction, rape, sexual slavery and forced marriages. She noted in this regard that her Office stands ready to work directly with Iraqi judges, investigators and prosecutors together with the new Investigative Team established under UNSCR 2379. Her Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence also stands ready to provide support in the area of legislative reform in particular to criminalize war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq.
In Mosul, where thousands of Iraqi women and girls were subjected to rape, sexual slavery and other grave forms of sexual violence perpetrated by Daesh, Ms. Patten was joined by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. They both called on the authorities of Ninewa Governorate to address the pressing needs of survivors in ongoing reconstruction efforts, including through the significant scaling-up of medical services, mental health and psychosocial support and economic livelihoods opportunities.
Ms. Patten’s visit from 26 February to 5 March 2018 was at the invitation of the Government, pursuant to the United Nations/Iraq Joint Communiqué to Prevent and Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence of 2016. Her visit marks the endorsement of the Joint Communiqué’s Implementation Plan featuring specific measures related to justice and accountability, survivor-centered services and engagement with civil society organizations, religious/tribal leaders and the media. “The development of this implementation plan demonstrates the continuous commitment of the Government of Iraq to address the plight of the victims of conflict-related sexual violence,” stressed Special Representative Patten.
“While I congratulate the Government of Iraq for its military defeat of Daesh, I urge the Government to pursue its efforts to rescue those missing, to ensure justice and reparations to all victims of the heinous crimes of sexual violence and to include women in its peacebuilding, reconciliation and reconstruction initiatives,” stated Special Representative Patten.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Rund 3000 Menschen nahmen an einer Demonstration durch den Berliner Stadtteil Wedding teil, um ihre Solidarität mit der durch den sogenannten Islamischen Staat (IS) angegriffenen syrisch-kurdischen Stadt Kobane (Ain al-Arab) auszudrücken. Die Teilnehmer waren größstenteils Kurden und Angehörige linker Gruppen. Aber auch eine Vertreterin einer alewitischen Jugendorganisation hielt eine Rede.
Der Wedding gilt als Hochburg sowohl von türkischen Nationalisten, als auch von Anhängern des Salafismus, es war daher im Vorfeld mit Auseinandersetzungen gerechnet worden. Die Polizei war mit einem massiven Aufgebot vor Ort. Es kam jedoch nur wenigen, vereinzelten Zwischenfällen. Die Veranstalter riefen die Teilnehmer wiederholt auf, sich nicht provozieren und die Demonstration friedlich zum Ziel kommen zu lassen.
Mehrere Dutzend Menschen haben sich an einer Kundgebung am Fuße des Berliner Brandenburger Tores beteiligt, um die Belagerung und die Angriffe der türkischen Polizei auf die Stadt Silvan zu verurteilen. Zudem wird Freiheit für den PKK-Führer Abdullah Öcalan gefordert.
Die Protestierenden sehen die Auseinandersetzungen in Silvan in einer Reihe mit Angriffen des türkischen Staates auf Kurden und kurdische Organisationen seit Staatspräsident Recep Tayyip Erdogans AKP ihre absolute Parlamentsmehrheit verloren hatte. Im Gegenzug hat auch die kurdische Arbeiterpartei PKK ihre Waffenruhe aufgekündigt und turkische Einrichtungen angegriffen.
Auf der Kundgebung wird auch dem Schicksal der Jesiden im irakischen Shingal gedacht. Die Jesiden sehen sich massiver Gewalt ausgesetzt, seit der sogenannte Islamische Staat ihr Gebiet im Irak überrannt hat. Zur Zeit versuchen kurdische Milizen den IS mit einer Großoffensive aus dem Shingal zurückzudrängen.
160814-M-AF202-026 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 14, 2016) Marines assigned to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ordnance on an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) on Aug. 14, 2016. The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning.. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders)
‘Art for Peace Exhibition’ in Baghdad: Expressions of Peace, Reconciliation and Hope
Baghdad, 3 March 2017 - The beauty of Iraq truly stems from the roots of the country’s rich, historical culture. Despite the fact that Iraq is currently embroiled in a battle to weed out the terrorist group Daesh from its soil and the fact that Baghdad has to endure the brunt of frequent bombings and terrorist attacks, Iraq boasts a rather vibrant, elegant, expressive, artistic and peaceful cultural scene. It is this part of Iraq that brings together people from all walks of life - irrespective of age, creed, colour, race, or gender - in the spirit of oneness, an energetic spirit that binds one another to appreciate the peace, joy, comfort and neutrality that art brings to one’s imagination. The Art for Peace Exhibition in Baghdad, organised by the United Nations Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in partnership with the National Reconciliation Committee of the Prime Minister’s office, could not have made this notion any clearer.
Held on Friday 03 March 2017 in the courtyard of the Baghdadi Cultural Centre located in the heart of Al-Mutannabi Street - one of the oldest and best known streets in Baghdad and affectionately referred to as the historical literary jewel in the city - over 70 paintings, caricatures, and photographs by Iraqi artists were on display. While each artist used a different medium of expression, the unifying factor was that each admirable simple piece of work expressed hope for peace among all the people in Iraq, and the yearning of peace and reconciliation for the future to build a free and flourishing world for generations to come. The Iraqi painters, photographers and caricaturists who participated in this first-ever Art for Peace project were commissioned to produce works that portrayed their messages for peaceful coexistence and harmony, reconciliation and hope.
The event itself is a stark illustration of the resilience of Iraqis who are enduring a devastating conflict with the terrorist Daesh group which is in its last throes in Mosul, and a terrorist bombing campaign that is deliberately targeting civilians in Baghdad and elsewhere. It shows that despite the ongoing conflict in Iraq, art remains the language that brings people together in peace and reconciliation. It also serves to counter the destruction by Daesh of historic sites and work of art work in the areas they controlled.
At the exhibition, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) for Political and Electoral Affairs, Mr. György Busztin, reiterated the importance of art in disseminating messages of peace, reconciliation, tolerance and coexistence. “Such endeavours by talented Iraqi artists, illustrators, painters and photographers transcends ethnic and sectarian differences and constitute the bedrock for an inclusive national reconciliation that will usher in the stability and prosperity for all Iraqis”.
Raed Hassan, a young Iraqi caricaturist spends his time drawing images that are graphic and emotional but which carry explicit messages. He easily narrates how “having a peaceful Iraq is all that he wants, especially for the future of his children”. Mr. Hassan pointed to one of his images – one in which there is a long queue of people, albeit mostly men, who seem to be in despair and a prominent syringe jutting into the leader’s head, inscribed with the words “Peace”. Mr. Hassan is very attached to this piece of work and in probing him for a reason, he simply states: “Study the caricature carefully and see the simplicity of it all – all we need in Iraq is for everyone to inject the idea of peace in their minds, to be rid of all the evil and harmful notions, and to thus clean our minds and hearts so that ‘peace’ can filter into every vein and bone in our bodies”.
“What could be more powerful than this?” he asks.
As the winter clouds gave way to a clear blue sunny sky, the colours on the oil paintings on display were easily entwined in the warmth of the sun’s rays. Mohammed Musayir stood patiently next to his paintings, many of which portrayed his thoughts on reconciliation among all Iraqis. The one painting that stood out depicted tolerance of faith, with Mohammed saying that “faith has no face – which is why the lady in my painting has no face. She could represent Islam by the Abaya she adorns, or she could tell the story of Christianity with the Holy Cross laid across her face. In the background, I have the places of worship for both faiths – open and inviting for all who choose to unite and live in peace, dignity and harmony”.
As Mr. Musayer shares his hopes for peaceful coexistence in Iraq, his thoughts are a reminder that engaging in dialogue, creating awareness and promoting tolerance and acceptance among peoples of different faiths, beliefs and cultures are key stepping stones towards building a hopeful and peaceful society in Iraq and across the globe.
After Baghdad, the Art for Peace travelling exhibition will be on display throughout March and April 2017 in the following Iraqi governorates: Babil, Karbala, Thi-Qar, Missan, Basrah, Diyala, Salah Al-din and Erbil.
Source and photos: UNAMI PIO
Rund 150 Menschen aus kommunistischen Gruppen, darunter die MLKP, nahmen mit einerm Demonstrationszug in Berlin Kreuzberg Abschied von der 19jährigen Ivana Hoffmann, die am 07.03.2015 im Kampf gegen den sogenannten Islamischen Staat (IS) in der syrischen Provinz Rojava gefallen ist.
In Reden und Sprechchören bekundeten die Teilnehmer ihre Solidarität mit dem Kamof der YPG/YPJ in Rojava.
Mehrere hundert Menschen nehmen an einer Kundgebung am Brandenburger Tor in Berlin teil, die im Rahmen des weltweiten "Syrian Day of Rage" stattfindet. Dieser Tag des Zorns soll an die hunderttausenden Opfer erinnern, die das Regime von Baschar al-Assad seit Beginn der Aufstände der Bevölkerung im Jahr 2011 zu verantworten hat. Zudem starben tausende in den Folterkellern des Regimes.
Die Teilnehmer, darunter viele Geflüchtete, fordern ein Ende des Regimes und den Abzug dessen Allierter, namentlich Russlands und des Irans, sowie der Hisbollah und irakischen Milizen. Auch Sprechchöre gegen Daesh (ISIS) ertönen.
Sie kritisieren die Weltgemeinschaft dafür, dem Töten tatenlos zuzusehen und schwenken die grün-weiß-schwarzen Fahnen der Opposition.
Paris, 2 days after November 2015 attacks. Place de la République. Muslim meets Charlie. false alert at Carillon.
Rund 2.000 Kurden und Angehörige linker Gruppen demonstrierten in Berlin Wedding in Gedenken an die 32 Opfer des Bombenanschlags im türkisch-kurdischen Suruç. Zudem richtete sich der Protest gegen die türkische AKP-Regierung und dem Präsidenten der Türkei Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In Reden und Sprechchören wurde die Solidarität mit den syrisch-kurdischen Gruppen YPG und YPJ und deren Kampf um Rojava bekundet. Ebenso mit dem in der Türkei inhaftierten PKK-Führer Abdullah Öcalan. Es wurden zudem die jüngsten Angriffe der türkischen Armee auf Stellungen der PKK verurteilt.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Ms. Pramila Patten Concludes Visit to Iraq and Stresses Need to Do More to Protect and Support Victims of Daesh’s Sexual Violence Crimes
(Baghdad/New York, 05 March 2018)
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, concluded an eight-day visit to Iraq during which she heard first-hand the heart wrenching accounts of survivors of Daesh’s sexual violence. She stressed the need to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are fully protected and that perpetrators of these horrendous crimes are brought to justice.
Special Representative Patten met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and with other senior Government officials, at federal, regional and provincial levels in Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul. She also engaged directly with survivors, civil society groups and with Christian, Shia, Sunni, Turkmen Shia and Yazidi religious leaders. A strong message from the survivors relating to the plight of women and girls still under captivity as well as their missing family members was taken up with the Government by Special Representative Patten. She enquired about ongoing efforts to locate those missing and urged the authorities to expedite their rescue.
Many of the women who remain displaced expressed serious safety concerns regarding their return to their homes and shared their fear of reprisals. “I call on all religious and tribal leaders to welcome back survivors of sexual violence and their children, and the Government to find legal avenues to recognize their children as Iraqi citizens,” said Ms. Patten. “It is essential for all to work towards shifting the stigma from the victims to the perpetrators. I also urge the Government to ensure that women and girls who were victims of Daesh are not wrongfully perceived as being their ‘affiliates’.”
During discussion with Iraqi Officials on the question of justice and accountability, while acknowledging the efforts of the Government, the Special Representative stressed the importance of ensuring that alleged perpetrators are held accountable not only for the crime of terrorism but for the full extent of the sexual violence crimes perpetrated on Iraqi women and children including abduction, rape, sexual slavery and forced marriages. She noted in this regard that her Office stands ready to work directly with Iraqi judges, investigators and prosecutors together with the new Investigative Team established under UNSCR 2379. Her Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence also stands ready to provide support in the area of legislative reform in particular to criminalize war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq.
In Mosul, where thousands of Iraqi women and girls were subjected to rape, sexual slavery and other grave forms of sexual violence perpetrated by Daesh, Ms. Patten was joined by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. They both called on the authorities of Ninewa Governorate to address the pressing needs of survivors in ongoing reconstruction efforts, including through the significant scaling-up of medical services, mental health and psychosocial support and economic livelihoods opportunities.
Ms. Patten’s visit from 26 February to 5 March 2018 was at the invitation of the Government, pursuant to the United Nations/Iraq Joint Communiqué to Prevent and Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence of 2016. Her visit marks the endorsement of the Joint Communiqué’s Implementation Plan featuring specific measures related to justice and accountability, survivor-centered services and engagement with civil society organizations, religious/tribal leaders and the media. “The development of this implementation plan demonstrates the continuous commitment of the Government of Iraq to address the plight of the victims of conflict-related sexual violence,” stressed Special Representative Patten.
“While I congratulate the Government of Iraq for its military defeat of Daesh, I urge the Government to pursue its efforts to rescue those missing, to ensure justice and reparations to all victims of the heinous crimes of sexual violence and to include women in its peacebuilding, reconciliation and reconstruction initiatives,” stated Special Representative Patten.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Ein Boot mir Fluechtlingen faehrt am 24.02.2016 in Mytilini auf der Insel Lesbos, Griechenland auf die Kueste zu. Die Insel in der Aegaeis ist einer der Hotspots an dem Fluechtlinge mit Booten von der tuerkischen Kueste ueber das Meer nach Europa uebersetzen. Foto: Markus Heine / heineimaging
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Eine aufblasbare Schwimmhilfe liegt am 24.02.2016 in Mytilini auf der Insel Lesbos, Griechenland nach der Ankunft von Fluechtlingen auf dem Boden. Die Insel in der Aegaeis ist einer der Hotspots an dem Fluechtlinge mit Booten von der tuerkischen Kueste ueber das Meer nach Europa uebersetzen. Foto: Markus Heine / heineimaging
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Alle Bilder urheberrechtlich geschuetzt!
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Syrische Aktivisten und Unterstützer versammeln sich am Fuße des Kunstwerkes "Monument" des Künstlers Manaf Halbouni, welches drei aufrecht gestellte Busse zeigt, um an das Schicksal der Städte al-Ghouta und Deir ez-Zor zu erinnern. Diese sind von Belagerung und Angriffen Russlands und des syrischen Regimes betroffen.
Die Aktivisten fordern das Ende des Regimes von Bashar al-Assad.
Paris, 2 days after November 2015 attacks. Place de la République. Muslim meets Charlie. false alert at Carillon.
The oasis town of Ma'an was once one of the most important stop between Damascus and Medina on the Hejaz Railway.
The Hejaz Railway once stretched along 1,300km of desert between Damascus and Medina. It was financed by the world's Islamic public, and was built by the Ottoman Empire in the 1900s with German help. It's original purpose was to shorten the long and dangerous journey for pilgrims performing Hajj.
In WW1, Lawrence of Arabia would lead Arab Bedouin irregulars and attacked the railway relentlessly, hoping to 'cut the spine of the Ottoman Empire' and to tie up Ottoman troops to garrison the area to allow British advances to the west.
The railway was badly damaged with many sections abandoned after the war. Today a railway workshop continues to operate in Ma'an in order to facilitate the running railway line between Amman, Aqaba and the phosphorus mines south of Ma'an.
Ma'an, Jordan.
Rund 150 Menschen aus kommunistischen Gruppen, darunter die MLKP, nahmen mit einerm Demonstrationszug in Berlin Kreuzberg Abschied von der 19jährigen Ivana Hoffmann, die am 07.03.2015 im Kampf gegen den sogenannten Islamischen Staat (IS) in der syrischen Provinz Rojava gefallen ist.
In Reden und Sprechchören bekundeten die Teilnehmer ihre Solidarität mit dem Kamof der YPG/YPJ in Rojava.
UK Kurds hold #StopWarOnKurds protest against Turkish military attacks -London 06.03.2016
Thousands of UK-based Kurds and their supporters marched through Central London to demand that the Turkish government ceases its brutal military attacks on Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan, Syria and Iraq. The protesters also accuse Turkey of abusing its NATO membership by covertly supporting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, giving them safe passage across Turkish borders into Syria, providing wounded ISIS fighters with medical facilities and supplying them with armaments.
All photos © Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or blog my images without my written permission. I remain at all times the copyright owner of this image.
These images are now available from International Photo Media picture agency.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion
Media buyers wanting to use any image found in my Flickr Photostream can also Email me directly.
Standard industry image licensing rates apply.
Mehrere hundert Syrer und Unterstützer demonstrieren am 16.03.2019 in Berlin anlässlich des achten Jahrestages des Beginns des Aufstandes gegen das Regime von Baschar al-Assad.
Die Protestierenden treten für ein freies und demokratisches Syrien ein. Sie verurteilen sowohl die Kriegsverbrechen durch das Regime in Damaskus und seiner Verbündeten Iran und Russland, als auch das Wirken radikal-islamischer Milizen wie der Al-Nusrah Front und Daesh.
Kurzzeitig kam es vor der Botschaft Russlands, wo eine Zwischenkundgebung abgehalten wird, zu kurzen Rangeleien, als die Polizei es zuließ, dass eine einstellige Zahl von Anhängers al-Assads und des russischen Präsidenten Putin in Sichtweite der Kundgebung diese provozieren lies. Im weiteren Verlauf wurden mindestens vier Personen vorübergehend festgenommen.
Hintergrund der Demonstration ist der bewaffnete Kampf zwischen dem Regime und diversen bewaffneten aufständischen Gruppierungen. Das Regime wird dabei militärisch von Russland und dem Iran, sowie von diesem abhängiger Milizen wie der libanesischen Hisbollah unterstützt. Ohne diese Unterstützung hätte sich Diktator Baschar al-Assadschon vor Jahren nicht mehr im Amt halten können. Dem syrischen Regime und seinen Verbündeten konnten diverse Kriegsverbrechen nachgewiesen werden. Darunter Angriffe mit chemischen Waffen, gezieltes Aushungern der Zivilbevölkerung, Angriffe auf Krankenhäuser, sowie Massaker an Zivilisten.
Schätzungen zufolge haben rund 800.000 Menschen ihr Leben verloren. Millionen sind auf der Flucht und Zehntausende sitzen in den Foltergefängnissen Assads.
Paris, 2 days after November 2015 attacks. Place de la République. Muslim meets Charlie. false alert at Carillon.
Die Partei Die Linke verleiht in Berlin Kreuzberg zum achten Mal den Clara-Zetkin-Frauenpreis an Initiativen, die sich im vergangenen Jahr für die Rechte von Frauen in der Gesellschaft stark gemacht haben.
Preisträger 2018 ist die Initiative "TAJÊ - Freiheitsbewegung/Frauenräte der ezidischen Frauen", die jesidische Frauen berät und in der Bewältigung ihrer Erlebnisse durch die Verfolgung und Versklavung durch Daesh (IS) hilft. Der Sonderpreis geht dieses Jahr an Dr. Kristina Hänel, die nicht nur auf ein Leben im Kampf für die Rechte von Frauen zurückblicken kann, sondern zudem auch bundesweite Bekanntheit erlangte, nachdem sie nach §219a StGB verurteilt wurde.
Insgesamt wurden acht Initiativen nominiert. Der CareSlam! wurde von Yvonne Falckner begründet und gibt Pflegenden eine Bühne, um über ihre Arbeitsbedingungen zu sprechen. Bekannt wurde das Format durch einen Auftritt der CareSlammerin Sabrina Maar in der ZDF-Sendung "Die Anstalt" Anfang Dezember 2017. Ebenfalls nominiert wurde ein "Containerprojekt für wohnungslose Frauen", welches sich den besonderen Anforderungen von Frauen und Transgendern in der Obdachlosigkeit annimmt und ihnen eine unterkunft bietet. Das "Frauenorchesterprojekt (FOP)" ist ein Frauenchor unter der Leitung von Mary Ellen Kitchens, welcher es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, Musik von Frauen hörbar zu machen. Die "Kontaktstelle "Frauen für Frauen" wurde ebenso nominiert wie "RosaLinde e.V.- Queer Refugee Network" kämpft gegen die sprichwörtlichen "Sächsischen Zustände" an, indem es queeren Geflüchteten in Leipzig Unterstützung und Beratung zuteil werden lässt. Der "ver.di-Bezirksfrauenrat München" legt ein Augenmerk auf die Bedürfnisse und Herausforderungen von Frauen im Berufsleben.
Die einzelnen Projekte wurden von Politikerinnen der Partei Die Linke vorgestellt. Darunter waren Simone Barrientos (MdB), Lucy Redler, Juliane Nagel (MdB). Die Preise wurden von Katja Kipping übergeben. Für die musikalische Begleitung sorgte die Rapperin aus Zimbabwe AWA KHIWE.
Mehrere hundert Syrer protestieren in Berlin anlässlich des fünften Jahrestages der syrischen Revolution in Berlin gegen das Regime von Baschar al-Assad und seinen engsten Verbündeten, den russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin.
Nach einer Kundgebung am Brandenburger Tor ziehen die Demonstranten in die Nähe der russischen Botschaft und wieder zurück. In Reden bekennen sich die Teilnehmer zu Demokratie und Freiheit und fordern ein Ende des syrischen Regimes als Voraussetzung für eine positive Zukunft Syriens.
Der Aufstand der Syrer gegen Diktator Baschar al-Assad begann vor fünf Jahren am 15. März 2011, als Jugendliche "Das Volk will den Sturz des Regimes" an eine Wand in Daraa sprühten, verhaftet und gefoltert wurden. Die anschließenden, friedlichen Demonstrationen im Zuge des "Arabischen Frühlings", wurden vom Regime blutig beantwortet.
In den letzten fünf Jahren haben nach Schätzungen rund 280.000 Menschen ihr Leben verloren, Millionen sind auf der Flucht, viele Städte zerstört, Zehntausende nach wie vor in den Foltergefängnissen des Regimes und Teile des Landes in der Hand der Terrororganisation Daesh.
UK Kurds hold #StopWarOnKurds protest against Turkish military attacks -London 06.03.2016
Thousands of UK-based Kurds and their supporters marched through Central London to demand that the Turkish government ceases its brutal military attacks on Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan, Syria and Iraq. The protesters also accuse Turkey of abusing its NATO membership by covertly supporting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, giving them safe passage across Turkish borders into Syria, providing wounded ISIS fighters with medical facilities and supplying them with armaments.
All photos © Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or blog my images without my written permission. I remain at all times the copyright owner of this image.
These images are now available from International Photo Media picture agency.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion
Media buyers wanting to use any image found in my Flickr Photostream can also Email me directly.
Standard industry image licensing rates apply.
UK Kurds hold #StopWarOnKurds protest against Turkish military attacks -London 06.03.2016
Thousands of UK-based Kurds and their supporters marched through Central London to demand that the Turkish government ceases its brutal military attacks on Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan, Syria and Iraq. The protesters also accuse Turkey of abusing its NATO membership by covertly supporting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, giving them safe passage across Turkish borders into Syria, providing wounded ISIS fighters with medical facilities and supplying them with armaments.
All photos © Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or blog my images without my written permission. I remain at all times the copyright owner of this image.
These images are now available from International Photo Media picture agency.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion
Media buyers wanting to use any image found in my Flickr Photostream can also Email me directly.
Standard industry image licensing rates apply.
Messiah Foundation International (MFI) will be holding a protest on the the 18th of July 2016 calling for Wahhabism, Peace TV and the radical preacher Zakir Naik to be banned in India. Join us at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
#BanWahhabloodism #Wahhabism #wahhabi #India #Mumbai #AzadMaidan #JantarMantar #Modi #salafi #salafism #ISIS #ISIL #Daesh #Modijee #terrorism #terrorist #terrorists #extremism #PeaceTV #hatespeech #hatepreaching #radicalIslam #ZakirNaik #SaudiArabia #islamist #jihad #jaihind #Hind #caliph #sharia
160814-M-AF202-089 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 14, 2016) Marines assigned to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ordnance on an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) on Aug. 14, 2016. The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders)
Rund 2.000 Kurden und Angehörige linker Gruppen demonstrierten in Berlin Wedding in Gedenken an die 32 Opfer des Bombenanschlags im türkisch-kurdischen Suruç. Zudem richtete sich der Protest gegen die türkische AKP-Regierung und dem Präsidenten der Türkei Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In Reden und Sprechchören wurde die Solidarität mit den syrisch-kurdischen Gruppen YPG und YPJ und deren Kampf um Rojava bekundet. Ebenso mit dem in der Türkei inhaftierten PKK-Führer Abdullah Öcalan. Es wurden zudem die jüngsten Angriffe der türkischen Armee auf Stellungen der PKK verurteilt.
Rund 150 Menschen aus kommunistischen Gruppen, darunter die MLKP, nahmen mit einerm Demonstrationszug in Berlin Kreuzberg Abschied von der 19jährigen Ivana Hoffmann, die am 07.03.2015 im Kampf gegen den sogenannten Islamischen Staat (IS) in der syrischen Provinz Rojava gefallen ist.
In Reden und Sprechchören bekundeten die Teilnehmer ihre Solidarität mit dem Kamof der YPG/YPJ in Rojava.
UK Kurds hold #StopWarOnKurds protest against Turkish military attacks -London 06.03.2016
Thousands of UK-based Kurds and their supporters marched through Central London to demand that the Turkish government ceases its brutal military attacks on Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan, Syria and Iraq. The protesters also accuse Turkey of abusing its NATO membership by covertly supporting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, giving them safe passage across Turkish borders into Syria, providing wounded ISIS fighters with medical facilities and supplying them with armaments.
All photos © Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or blog my images without my written permission. I remain at all times the copyright owner of this image.
These images are now available from International Photo Media picture agency.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion
Media buyers wanting to use any image found in my Flickr Photostream can also Email me directly.
Standard industry image licensing rates apply.
Einige Dutzend Syrer halten eine Kundgebung am Berliner Alexanderplatz unter dem Motto "Syria wants Freedom" ab. Sie sprechen sich gegen das syrische Regime von Baschar al-Assad aus und weisen darauf hin, dass Daesh (ISIS) und das Regime zwei Seiten einer Medaille seien. Zudem bekennen sie sich zu denn Zielen der syrischen Revolution von Freiheit und Demokratie.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Ms. Pramila Patten Concludes Visit to Iraq and Stresses Need to Do More to Protect and Support Victims of Daesh’s Sexual Violence Crimes
(Baghdad/New York, 05 March 2018)
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, concluded an eight-day visit to Iraq during which she heard first-hand the heart wrenching accounts of survivors of Daesh’s sexual violence. She stressed the need to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are fully protected and that perpetrators of these horrendous crimes are brought to justice.
Special Representative Patten met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and with other senior Government officials, at federal, regional and provincial levels in Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul. She also engaged directly with survivors, civil society groups and with Christian, Shia, Sunni, Turkmen Shia and Yazidi religious leaders. A strong message from the survivors relating to the plight of women and girls still under captivity as well as their missing family members was taken up with the Government by Special Representative Patten. She enquired about ongoing efforts to locate those missing and urged the authorities to expedite their rescue.
Many of the women who remain displaced expressed serious safety concerns regarding their return to their homes and shared their fear of reprisals. “I call on all religious and tribal leaders to welcome back survivors of sexual violence and their children, and the Government to find legal avenues to recognize their children as Iraqi citizens,” said Ms. Patten. “It is essential for all to work towards shifting the stigma from the victims to the perpetrators. I also urge the Government to ensure that women and girls who were victims of Daesh are not wrongfully perceived as being their ‘affiliates’.”
During discussion with Iraqi Officials on the question of justice and accountability, while acknowledging the efforts of the Government, the Special Representative stressed the importance of ensuring that alleged perpetrators are held accountable not only for the crime of terrorism but for the full extent of the sexual violence crimes perpetrated on Iraqi women and children including abduction, rape, sexual slavery and forced marriages. She noted in this regard that her Office stands ready to work directly with Iraqi judges, investigators and prosecutors together with the new Investigative Team established under UNSCR 2379. Her Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence also stands ready to provide support in the area of legislative reform in particular to criminalize war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq.
In Mosul, where thousands of Iraqi women and girls were subjected to rape, sexual slavery and other grave forms of sexual violence perpetrated by Daesh, Ms. Patten was joined by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. They both called on the authorities of Ninewa Governorate to address the pressing needs of survivors in ongoing reconstruction efforts, including through the significant scaling-up of medical services, mental health and psychosocial support and economic livelihoods opportunities.
Ms. Patten’s visit from 26 February to 5 March 2018 was at the invitation of the Government, pursuant to the United Nations/Iraq Joint Communiqué to Prevent and Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence of 2016. Her visit marks the endorsement of the Joint Communiqué’s Implementation Plan featuring specific measures related to justice and accountability, survivor-centered services and engagement with civil society organizations, religious/tribal leaders and the media. “The development of this implementation plan demonstrates the continuous commitment of the Government of Iraq to address the plight of the victims of conflict-related sexual violence,” stressed Special Representative Patten.
“While I congratulate the Government of Iraq for its military defeat of Daesh, I urge the Government to pursue its efforts to rescue those missing, to ensure justice and reparations to all victims of the heinous crimes of sexual violence and to include women in its peacebuilding, reconciliation and reconstruction initiatives,” stated Special Representative Patten.
Photos by UNAMI PIO and UNFPA.
On Global Open Day on UNSCR 1325, Calls for Greater Women Role in Future of post-Daesh Iraq
Baghdad/Erbil, 24 October 2017 – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), jointly with UNWOMEN within the context of the observing the Global Open Day and the 17th Anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325, held consultative forums with senior political leadership in Baghdad and Erbil on 23 and 24 October, with the focus on strengthening women’s political participation.
In both Baghdad and Erbil, the concerns of women, their participation in society, the political process and decision-making were raised. Participants were categorical in stating that there have been long-standing barriers which have continued to impede women’s participation and representation in the political process. Particularly, participants noted a regression in women’s representation in executive, legislative as well as judiciary branches of government. Further, participants decried that leaderships of political parties have not given sufficient opportunities to women to fully and equally participate in politics. Recommendations were proposed, including a specific request made to the political leaders to give women an opportunity to be part of the solution. Participants also called for legislation to promote and increase women’s participation in politics and governance as well as to promote them to decision-making positions.
In Baghdad, the meeting on 23 October was organized in collaboration with the Implementation and Follow-up Commission for National Reconciliation in the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Health and Environment, H.E. Adila Hammoud, Adviser to the Prime Minister on reconciliation, Mr. Mohammed Salman, the Speaker of Parliament’s representative Dr. Ahmed Rushdy, Advisor to the President of the Republic, Juan Masoum, heads of political blocs and other government representatives, parliamentary Committee heads, MPs as well as academics, in addition to representatives of UNAMI and UNWOMEN.
H.E. Ms. Adila Hammoud, the Minister of Health and Environment, stated that to overcome social barriers and challenges impeding women’s participation required a concerted effort and commitment from political leaders and decision-makers, noting “the significant successes of many Iraqi women on the executive and legislative levels and their ability to play an essential role in peace making and societal reconciliation.”
Mr. Mohammad Salman of the reconciliation committee, in his opening remarks, said the meeting is a “golden opportunity for all to benefit from the accumulated experiences of peoples” that the UN holds as it works to support women issues.
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, emphasized in his remarks at the meetings in Baghdad and Erbil that women in Iraq are agents of positive change and they must be given the opportunity to act in that critical role in shaping the future of their country in the post-Daesh period.
“Equality and empowerment of women must be central to all peace, justice, reconciliation and reform efforts in the post-Daesh period. Women’s participation is crucial for an effective, successful and sustainable peace processes and reform. Only through their direct and meaningful participation their voices will be heard,” Mr. Kubiš said.
The consultative meeting in Erbil was convened on 24 October by UNAMI in collaboration with UN WOMEN and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s High Council for Women Affairs. It was attended by Interior Minister H.E. Mr. Karim Sinjari, Minister of the Department of Foreign Relations H.E. Mr. Falah Al-Mustafa, Secretary-General of the High Council for Women’s Affairs Ms. Pakhshan Zangana, Spokesperson to Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Safeen Dizayi, and women leaders, in addition to representatives of UNAMI and UN WOMEN.
In remarks at the Erbil meeting, Ms. Pakshan Zangana, the Secretary-General of the High Council for Women’s Affairs in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said the recent crisis in Kirkuk have seen displacements of civilians including women, the elderly and children. She urged the UN to strengthen its efforts towards addressing the needs to those displaced.
In Erbil, Mr. Kubiš acknowledged the efforts of the Cross-Sector Task Force on the implementation of the Iraq National Action Plan on 1325. “Regardless of all issues between Baghdad and Erbil, the collaboration of women group representatives from both Baghdad and Erbil has been remarkable. It is a good model of constructive cooperation that should inspire also the process of finding solutions to the current crisis between Baghdad and Erbil. Women must play a key role also in these endeavors.”
The SRSG recalled the particularly brutal treatment of women and girls by Daesh terrorists and pointed out to UN Security Council resolution 2379, passed in September to establish an investigative team to support domestic efforts to hold Daesh accountable.
UN WOMEN Representative in Iraq, Ms. Dina Zorba, in both meetings in Baghdad and Erbil, commended the government, civil society, and national and international partners for continued commitment to UNSCR 1325, stating that Iraq is the first country in the Middle East to launch a national plan to implement 1325. She urged the government to work to ensure gender issues are incorporated in all democratization and nation building agendas, and called on the UN, the government, and the International Community to continue to advocate for and protect the rights of women and girls.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.