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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.
Berlin. 2015.
"In Gedenken an Ivana Hoffmann".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
In order to help prevent radicalisation, we are offering free classes for the public, in which attendees will be presented with academic reasoning to counter what radical Islamists teach.
Join us: www.theawaitedone.com/activities/2016/07/15/join-our-dera...
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Berlin. 2015.
"Suruç'taki katliamı protesto yürüyüşü / Protest gegen das Massaker in Suruç".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
Position des HPG, les combattants du PKK, au sud de Kirkuk près de la bille de Hawijah. Ruines d"un village bombardé par la coalition.
Bruselas (Bélgica), 4 de diciembre de 2015
www.interior.gob.es/es/web/interior/noticias/detalle/-/jo...
In SIOI la presentazioen del nuovo libro di Mario Giro, viceministro agli Affari Esteri e alla Cooperazione Internazionale dal titolo "Noi terroristi: storie vere dal Nordafrica a Charlie Hebdo. Presenti anche Franco Franco Frattini, Lia Quartapelle, Simona Bonafè e Stefano Polli.
Kurz nach dem sechsten Jahrestages des Beginns der syrischen Revolution am 15.03.2011 demonstrieren mehrere hundert Menschen in Berlin gegen den syrischen Diktator Baschar al-Assad, sowie dessen Unterstützer Russland, Iran und die libanesische Hisbollah. Die Demonstration zieht vom Hermannplatz in Neukölln zum Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg.
Die Teilnehmer fordern Frieden und Freiheit für Syrien und einen Abzug der russischen und iranischen Streitkräfte, sowie der vom Iran unterstützten Hisbollah.
Seit dem Beginn des Versuchs al-Assads, die Demokratiebewegung blutig niederzuschlagen, sind bis zu 500.000 Menschen getötet worden, Millionen sind innerhalb und außerhalb Syriens auf der Flucht. Noch immer sitzen zehntausende Menschen in den berüchtigten Foltergefängnissen des Regimes. Städte werden durch Belagerungen ausgehungert und im Schatten des Krieges gegen das eigene Volk und mit stillschweigender Duldung des Regimes konnte Daesh seine Schreckensherrschaft über Teile Syriens errichten.
UN at “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” Forum in Sulaymaniyah: Near Defeat of Daesh Makes Reconciliation More Significant
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, 08 April 2017 – The “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” forum engaging youth in the search of ideas for Iraq’s post-Daesh future convened today in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the fifth stop of cross-country meetings and one which is gaining more significance as the triumph over the terrorists in Mosul is approaching.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs Mr. György Busztin, stated in an opening address that unity is key to peace and prosperity and provides hope for the future generation, with peaceful coexistence serving as the main pillar of national unity.
“I confidently hope that all the territory and population of Mosul city as well as all other parts of Iraq would be liberated very soon from the captivity of the extremist terrorist group and rescued from the brutality of their heinous crimes,” Mr. Busztin said.
A total of 80 youth in the age group of 18-35 from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Halabja Governorates participated in the forum, which the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized in cooperation with the Iraqi Al-Amal Association. The meeting in Sulaymaniyah is the fifth of a series of cross-country youth forums intended to give a voice to youth for their crucial role in charting the road to peaceful co-existence in a future Iraq. With these kind of fora, the young generation of Iraqis across different ethnic and sectarian backgrounds has the opportunity to deliberate post-conflict issues, engage on national reconciliation and voice their opinion.
The opening session was attended by member of the board of Al-Amal Association Ms. Amena Goyani, and DSRSG Busztin, who stressed the importance of this forum convening in Sulaymaniyah, which he described as the cultural capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
“This meeting is of deep significance, as it does represent fraternity among the youth from diverse communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and further their willingness to discuss coexistence in a post-Daesh Iraq,” the DSRSG said. “We are fully aware that comprehensive and frank discussion among all segments of society is essential in order to face the heritage of the past, address the threat of the present, and build a common future for Iraq.”
The cross-country forums were first launched in Basra on 28 January 2017, and brought together about 120 participants from the four southern governorates of Basra, Missan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna. The second followed in Erbil on 19 February with 135 participants from Ninewa Governorate. The third was held in Najaf on 18 March, with 115 participants from the Najaf, Karbala, Babel and Qadissiyah Governorates taking part, and the fourth was on 25 March in Diyala Governorate where 68 youth participated. Other conferences are to follow in the Governorates of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Salaheddin, culminating in an overarching national conference in Baghdad in May to be attended by representatives of the youth to incorporate recommendations from these forums in the decisions that support the process of reconciliation and coexistence.
As with the format for all the conferences, the participants in the Sulaymaniyah forum broke up into working groups to deliberate and respond to questions about what they would like to see in a future Iraq and how they can contribute. At the end of the meeting, the participants debated their responses and adopted a set of recommendations.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
UN at Reconciliation Meeting Urges Iraqis to Seize the Momentum of Victory over Daesh to Build a Better Future
Najaf, 13 December 2017 - Iraq’s victory over the Daesh terrorists provides an opportunity for the country to shed its painful past and confidently embark on the road to peace and development, the United Nations emphasised at a conference on national reconciliation in Najaf today, urging Iraqis of all affiliations to seize the momentum and build on it to ensure a prosperous future for the younger generation.
The call came at a roundtable discussion that brought together tribal, religious, academic, political party and civil society actors from the Najaf and Diwaniyah Governorates to gauge the opinion of Iraqis from all corners of the country and tackle challenges to the Iraqi national reconciliation in the post-Daesh phase.
This is the sixth and last of such regional roundtables to convene under the theme “National Settlement: Prospects and Challenges” since September. Their recommendations will enhance the process that will lead to an inclusive National Settlement to take Iraq into the future after years of conflict and divisions. The meetings were organised jointly by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Implementation and Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation at the Office of the Prime Minister, with funding from the Governments of Germany and the Netherlands.
The representative of the Implementation and Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Ali Abbas, opened the meeting in Najaf with an overview of the National Settlement document, which he explained forms the basis for national reconciliation.
“There is no alternative to the settlement, or to reconciliation. It is a necessity. The other choices are: No stability, No security, No development.”
He said the National Settlement discussion should involve all components and groups and is open to ideas and proposals, but all should be in line with the Constitution.
Addressing the participants - 68 men and 28 women from Najaf and Diwaniyah Governorates - the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Political and Electoral Affairs, Ms. Alice Walpole, alluded to Najaf’s significance in reconciliation, a city she described as renowned for its spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
Ms. Walpole said the defeat of Daesh provides the opportunity to press forward on the course towards permanent peace, so that the country can focus all its energies and resources on reconstruction.
“Reconciliation is a long process. We need to work together to develop a clear vision for Iraq’s better future,” the Deputy Special Representative emphasised. “We believe that all Iraqis need to capitalise on this momentum and build a basis for peaceful coexistence.”
Participants highlighted post-Daesh challenges with regard to national reconciliation. Opinions were diverse, from diagnosing the ills of the country and ways to move forward, to calls to combat corruption, ensure justice, hold perpetrators of crimes accountable, enact political reforms and work towards economic development.
They called for robust engagement of the United Nations in the political and development fields, including on elections and education, as well as in capacity building, pointing to UN experience in other countries and how this can be applied to Iraq.
Ms. Walpole underlined that the United Nations is committed to assisting the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people in overcoming the many challenges.
“There is a real need for constructive dialogue at every level,” the Deputy Special Representative said. “I am certain that, with the concerted efforts of Iraq’s leaders, political forces and its people of all ethnic and religious groups and their patriotism, assisted by the continued support of the international community, Iraq will be able to surmount post-Daesh challenges and build a better future.”
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Berlin. 2015.
"Suruç'taki katliamı protesto yürüyüşü / Protest gegen das Massaker in Suruç".
Hakan Taş, MdA (Die Linke).
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
Mehre Dutzend Menschen beteiligen sich an einer Kundgebung vor dem Reichstag in Berlin, um gegen anhaltende Angriffe auf das Volk der Jesiden im Norden des Iraks zu protestieren. Für die Angriffe werden kurdische Peshmerga-Gruppen verantwortlich gemacht. Es wird von den Teilnehmern kritisiert, dass diese Gruppen von der Bundesrepublik mit Waffen ausgestattet wurden (ursprünglich zum Kampf gegen Daesh) und diese sich nun gegen die Jesiden richteten. An den Jesiden wurde bereits von Daesh (ISIS) ein Völkermord verübt.
Unterstützt werden die Jesiden auf der Kundgebung durch Kurden. Diese zeigen auch Fahnen der nord-syrischen Volksbefreiungseinheiten YPG und YPG, sowie des YBS. Das Zeigen von Symbolen dieser Organisationen wurde jüngst durch des Bundesministerium des Innern (BMI) verboten. Ebenso wurde eine Flagge mit dem Porträt von Abdullah Öcalan gezeigt. Ob dieses unter des ebenfalls jüngst erlassene Verbot von Porträts des PKK-Führers fällt, ist nicht klar. Die anwesende Polizei schritt nicht ein.
Nel mese di agosto del 2014 oltre 400000 componenti della comunità yazida hanno dovuto abbandonare le loro case mentre Daesh conquistava, devastandole, ampie estensioni di territorio iracheno. Molti di loro sono stati fatti prigionieri e giustiziati, migliaia di donne e bambini sono stati ridotti in schiavitù. Chi è riuscito a fuggire si è rifugiato sulle montagne di Sinjar, per poi raggiungere i campi profughi della regione del Kurdistan iracheno.
Il campo profughi di Khanke – il luogo dove sono ospitate le ragazze autrici delle fotografie e da cui provengono gli scatti – ospita quasi tremila famiglie, fuggite dalla provincia irachena di Ninive. Nonostante il trauma e gli orrori a cui ha assistito, la comunità yazida ha dimostrato caparbietà e una grande capacità di reagire, di cui la mostra fotografica è un toccante esempio.
Tutte le immagini sono coperte da Copyright
© Manal Barakat, © Zina Hassan, © Klood Khedada, © Samia Jendo, © Bushra Qasim, © Khawla Shamo
Berlin. 2014.
"Jugend Demo gegen den IS-Terror".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
On Friday, January 8th at the Archaeological Institute of America’s Annual Meeting in San Francisco, SAFE will present its 2015 SAFE Beacon Award. Since 2004, the SAFE Beacon Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in raising public awareness about our endangered cultural heritage, the importance of heritage protection and conservation, and the devastating consequences of the illicit antiquities trade. This year, SAFE is honoured to present the award posthumously to Dr. Khaled al-Asaad (1934-2015), former director of antiquities at Palmyra, who gave his life to his work. Dr. al-Asaad was known to every archaeologist who visited Palmyra, a genial and ebullient fixture at the Palmyra museum who would sweep visitors into his office for a cup of sweet tea and a friendly scholarly interrogation. His knowledge about the archaeology of Syria, and particularly of Palmyra, was truly encyclopedic, and his eagerness to share it with everyone he met, from local people in the city of Tadmur to the audiences at international scholarly conferences, was legendary. An ardent advocate for Palmyra until the very moment of his untimely death, Dr. al-Asaad’s contributions to the field of Palmyrene archaeology permanently altered how we understand one of the world’s most important historical sites.
Please join SAFE for the presentation of the award on Friday, January 8th, as we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Khaled al-Asaad. Prof. Amr al-Azm (Shawnee State University) will reflect on Dr. al-Assad’s passion for Palmyra and its preservation as part of the cultural heritage of Syria and its people. A modest reception will follow. Time and date to be announced soon.
We hope that you can join us in honouring Dr. al-Asaad’s incredible legacy and remembering his work as a beacon for cultural heritage advocates everywhere.
drawing by Little Shiva.
Trump & Erdogan are in Belgium for a NATO meeting.. and over 12000 Belgians took to the streets to protest their presidencies.
It’s objectively too late to restrain population and consumption growth so as to avert what ecologists of the 1970s called a “hard landing.”
It is the lie that human society can continue growing its population and consumption levels indefinitely on our finite planet, and never suffer consequences.
Perhaps Donald Trump succeeded because his promises spoke to what civilizations in decline tend to want to hear. It could be argued that the pluralistic, secular, cosmopolitan, tolerant, constitutional democratic nation state is a political arrangement appropriate for a growing economy buoyed by pervasive optimism. (On a scale much smaller than contemporary America, ancient Greece and Rome during their early expansionary periods provided examples of this kind of political-social arrangement). As societies contract, people turn fearful, angry, and pessimistic—and fear, anger, and pessimism fairly dripped from Trump’s inaugural address. In periods of decline, strongmen tend to arise promising to restore past glories and to defeat domestic and foreign enemies. Repressive kleptocracies are the rule rather than the exception.
La boite au lettres de l'immeuble où vit à grandit Samy Amimour et où sa famille a été interpellée par la police le matin du 16 novembre 2015 à Drancy, en Seine-saint-Denis, au nord de Paris. / The mailbox of the building where Samy Amimour grew up and where his family was arrested by the police on the morning of November 16th, 2015 in Drancy, in Seine-Saint-Denis, north of Paris.
UN at “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” Forum in Sulaymaniyah: Near Defeat of Daesh Makes Reconciliation More Significant
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, 08 April 2017 – The “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” forum engaging youth in the search of ideas for Iraq’s post-Daesh future convened today in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the fifth stop of cross-country meetings and one which is gaining more significance as the triumph over the terrorists in Mosul is approaching.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs Mr. György Busztin, stated in an opening address that unity is key to peace and prosperity and provides hope for the future generation, with peaceful coexistence serving as the main pillar of national unity.
“I confidently hope that all the territory and population of Mosul city as well as all other parts of Iraq would be liberated very soon from the captivity of the extremist terrorist group and rescued from the brutality of their heinous crimes,” Mr. Busztin said.
A total of 80 youth in the age group of 18-35 from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Halabja Governorates participated in the forum, which the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized in cooperation with the Iraqi Al-Amal Association. The meeting in Sulaymaniyah is the fifth of a series of cross-country youth forums intended to give a voice to youth for their crucial role in charting the road to peaceful co-existence in a future Iraq. With these kind of fora, the young generation of Iraqis across different ethnic and sectarian backgrounds has the opportunity to deliberate post-conflict issues, engage on national reconciliation and voice their opinion.
The opening session was attended by member of the board of Al-Amal Association Ms. Amena Goyani, and DSRSG Busztin, who stressed the importance of this forum convening in Sulaymaniyah, which he described as the cultural capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
“This meeting is of deep significance, as it does represent fraternity among the youth from diverse communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and further their willingness to discuss coexistence in a post-Daesh Iraq,” the DSRSG said. “We are fully aware that comprehensive and frank discussion among all segments of society is essential in order to face the heritage of the past, address the threat of the present, and build a common future for Iraq.”
The cross-country forums were first launched in Basra on 28 January 2017, and brought together about 120 participants from the four southern governorates of Basra, Missan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna. The second followed in Erbil on 19 February with 135 participants from Ninewa Governorate. The third was held in Najaf on 18 March, with 115 participants from the Najaf, Karbala, Babel and Qadissiyah Governorates taking part, and the fourth was on 25 March in Diyala Governorate where 68 youth participated. Other conferences are to follow in the Governorates of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Salaheddin, culminating in an overarching national conference in Baghdad in May to be attended by representatives of the youth to incorporate recommendations from these forums in the decisions that support the process of reconciliation and coexistence.
As with the format for all the conferences, the participants in the Sulaymaniyah forum broke up into working groups to deliberate and respond to questions about what they would like to see in a future Iraq and how they can contribute. At the end of the meeting, the participants debated their responses and adopted a set of recommendations.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Kubiš Says Iraqis Want Leaders to Act to Counter Extremism, Promote Tolerance
Baghdad, 10 February 2016 - Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq Jan Kubiš, at the conclusion of World Interfaith Harmony Week in Iraq, said that the people of Iraq have sent a clear message to their Government and to the political and religious leaders that they want action to counter extremism and sectarian policies and promote tolerance. He stressed continued UN support in such an effort.
“Throughout this week, we have heard stories about the destructive impact of sectarian, religious and ethnic violence on many communities in Iraq. No religion, sect, nationality or ethnic group is immune to this disease and threat. Radical ideology and policies of sectarianism, violent extremism and terrorism that are in its most extreme form represented today by Daesh present a serious threat not only to peace and security; but if not curbed, will also be a threat to the unity of Iraq and its people,” the SRSG said.
Mr. Kubiš added: “We cannot allow the inciters of sectarian violence to pull communities into the cycle of violence and reprisals and drive a wedge between various components of Iraqi society. They ultimately serve the interests of terrorism.”
The World Interfaith Harmony Week, marked worldwide on the first week of February, promotes a culture of peace and non-violence, religious and cultural understanding, and emphasises the need for dialogue among different faiths to enhance cooperation and harmony. In activities held in Najaf, Baghdad and Erbil 2-10 February 2016, religious leaders, politicians, academics and civil society groups came together around the theme of interfaith dialogue and harmony as key to ensuring peace and stability.
“These discussions have encouraged all of us to think about ways to promote the principles of tolerance, equality, justice and co-existence,” the SRSG said at the concluding session on Wednesday 10 February 2016 that was held at the Al-Jilani Mosque in Baghdad under the theme: “Bringing It All Together: An Action Plan to Promote and Protect Religious Harmony”.
SRSG Kubiš said that participants over the past week demanded action. They urged legislators to repeal discriminatory legislation and implement inclusive policies as well as to adopt laws clearly criminalising hate speech and propaganda that incites violent extremism. They also called on the Government to create the necessary conditions for the safe and sustainable return of displaced communities as well as ensure State authority is restored to liberated areas as quickly as possible to prevent violence. Participants urged political and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding and peaceful coexistence to counter violent doctrines and sectarianism. Civil society, in particular women and youth who shape familial and social norms, and media, which drive public opinion, have a key role to play.
Participants also urged the state to vigorously work for real and profound reforms to ensure good governance and elimination of corruption, inclusive and equitable access to employment opportunities, education, health and other services, effectively functioning economy and social justice. Without such reforms, the burden of the current economic fiscal and social crisis and austerity measures will only further alienate and radicalize many, mainly young people.
“The participants in The World Interfaith Harmony Week sent a strong appeal to the State to implement confidence-building measures that would promote tolerance, equality, justice and respect for diversity thus, working also for national reconciliation, for historic compromise that will preserve unity of Iraq and its people,” the SRSG said.
Political forces are called upon to overcome political divisions that so far prevented progress on these issues, he said, expressing UN readiness to contribute to implementing the recommendations.
Opening Remarks were given by:
• Dr. Anas Mahmoud al-Issawi, Second Imam of the Sheikh Al-Jilani Mosque
• Mr. Ján Kubiš, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq
• Dr. Abdelatif Humaim, Head of the Sunni Endowment
• Mr. Sataar Jabbar al-Jaizani, Representative of the Head of the Diwan of the Shia Endowment, and
• Patriarch Louis Sako, Chaldean Patriarch of the World.
A panel entitled "What are the key issues and ideas that were highlighted during the World Interfaith Week Events held so far?" was held moderated by Mr. Marwan Ali, Director of UNAMI Office of Political Affairs and the panelists were: Dr. Hassan Nathem, UNESCO Chair for Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in the Islamic World, University of Kufa,
• Ms. Shatna al-Abousi, Advisor to the Speaker of the Parliament,
* Mr. Ali Difai, QAdvisor to the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament,
• Dr. Jabra Ahmed Ankoush, Professor at Baghdad University
• Mr. Falah al-Alousi, Salam al-Rafidain Organization.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict Bangura visit to Iraq
Baghdad, 26 - 28 February 2017 - On the invitation of the Government of Iraq the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura is visiting Iraq.
On 26 February 2017 SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Erfan Mahmood Al Hayali, Iraqi Minister of Defense. The implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence (which was signed in New York in September 2016) was discussed as well as the importance of enforcing accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
In the meeting with Mr. Shorish Khalid Saeed, Iraqi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration and implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the survivors centered approach in dealing with these crimes.
SRSG Bangura met with H. E. Dr. Salim Al-Jobouri, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives (CoR). Legislative work that CoR is undertaking in alleviating the consequences of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by DAESH by providing legal framework for the prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes was discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals. It was highlighted that Iraqi results in this field can establish a model that might become a blue print for other countries in similar situations.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, met with H. E. Mr. Haider Al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq. Comprehensive collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence was discussed with special emphasis on the documentation of the cases and persecution of the perpetuators of the sexual violence crimes committed by DAESH. The need to address these serious crimes and the sensitivity of the long term consequences for the victims and the whole society were highlighted.
In the meeting with Mr. Mahmoud Al-Bayati, Director General, Counter-Terrorism and National Security Advisor, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the enforcement of accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
On 27 February 2017, SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Haidar al-Zamili, Iraqi Minister of Justice. The need to provide legal framework for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the horrendous sexual violence crimes and means to obtain and protect evidences and witnesses were discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize so that these goals could be achieved in accordance with the highest standards of the international human rights and criminal law.
In a meeting with Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Jaf, Iraqi Minister for Migrations and Displacement SRSG Bangura discussed the issue of support to the victims of sexual violence, currently located in IDP camps, to cope with trauma and possible stigma.
SRSG Bangura with Mr. Faeq Zaidan, the Head of the High Judicial Council of Iraq discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and training of judges for the filing and processing of the cases of sexual violence committed by Daesh, with the special emphasis on the need to implement the highest standards of the international criminal law and human rights.
In her separate meetings with Mr. Taqi Al Mawla, a Turkmen Shi’a religious leader, and with a group of prominent Sunni religious leaders, SRSG Bangura discussed the role of religious leaders in sensitizing the communities on the issue of assistance to the victims of sexual violence to cope with their traumas and possible stigma.
On 28 February 2017, SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Bangura, met with a group of Representatives of the Council of Representatives (CoR). The CoR representatives described the ongoing efforts they are undertaking to improve the existing legal framework to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence and to better address the consequences of these crimes, including issues related to forced marriages and the situation of children born to survivors of rape. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals.
In the continuation of her visit to Iraq SRSG Bangura travels to Kurdistan Region.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Le 17 novembre 2015, une voiture brûlée repose devant la mosquée Et-Tawhid (le bâtiment vert) à Blanc-Mesnil, en Seine-Saint-Denis, au nord de Paris, que Sami Amimour, l'un des terroriste du Bataclan aurait fréquenté et ou il se serait radicalisé, d'après Jean-Christophe Lagarde, député-maire de Drancy. / On November 17th, 2015, a burnt car is staying in front of the mosque Et-Tawhid (the green building) of Blanc-Mesnil, in Seine-Saint-Denis, north of Paris, attended by Sami Amimour, one of the terrorist of the Bataclan attacks, and where he would have been radicalized, according to Jean-Christophe Lagarde, MP and mayor of Drancy.
Berlin. 2016.
"Schulter an Schulter gegen Faschismus".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
Position des HPG, les combattants du PKK, au sud de Kirkuk près de la bille de Hawijah. La semaine précédente, ils ont du intervenir à Kirkuk même pour aider les peshmergas à contrer une attaque surprise de daesh dans la ville. Sur ce front, quelques accrochages réguliers se produisent. Mais le plus souvent, un grand silence règne dans les champs abandonnés et les ruines des villages bombardés par la coalition.
Berlin. 2017.
"Mahnwache Solidarität mit al-Ghouta und Deir ez-Zor".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict Bangura visit to Iraq
Baghdad, 26 - 28 February 2017 - On the invitation of the Government of Iraq the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura is visiting Iraq.
On 26 February 2017 SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Erfan Mahmood Al Hayali, Iraqi Minister of Defense. The implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence (which was signed in New York in September 2016) was discussed as well as the importance of enforcing accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
In the meeting with Mr. Shorish Khalid Saeed, Iraqi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration and implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the survivors centered approach in dealing with these crimes.
SRSG Bangura met with H. E. Dr. Salim Al-Jobouri, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives (CoR). Legislative work that CoR is undertaking in alleviating the consequences of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by DAESH by providing legal framework for the prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes was discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals. It was highlighted that Iraqi results in this field can establish a model that might become a blue print for other countries in similar situations.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, met with H. E. Mr. Haider Al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq. Comprehensive collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence was discussed with special emphasis on the documentation of the cases and persecution of the perpetuators of the sexual violence crimes committed by DAESH. The need to address these serious crimes and the sensitivity of the long term consequences for the victims and the whole society were highlighted.
In the meeting with Mr. Mahmoud Al-Bayati, Director General, Counter-Terrorism and National Security Advisor, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the enforcement of accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
On 27 February 2017, SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Haidar al-Zamili, Iraqi Minister of Justice. The need to provide legal framework for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the horrendous sexual violence crimes and means to obtain and protect evidences and witnesses were discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize so that these goals could be achieved in accordance with the highest standards of the international human rights and criminal law.
In a meeting with Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Jaf, Iraqi Minister for Migrations and Displacement SRSG Bangura discussed the issue of support to the victims of sexual violence, currently located in IDP camps, to cope with trauma and possible stigma.
SRSG Bangura with Mr. Faeq Zaidan, the Head of the High Judicial Council of Iraq discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and training of judges for the filing and processing of the cases of sexual violence committed by Daesh, with the special emphasis on the need to implement the highest standards of the international criminal law and human rights.
In her separate meetings with Mr. Taqi Al Mawla, a Turkmen Shi’a religious leader, and with a group of prominent Sunni religious leaders, SRSG Bangura discussed the role of religious leaders in sensitizing the communities on the issue of assistance to the victims of sexual violence to cope with their traumas and possible stigma.
On 28 February 2017, SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Bangura, met with a group of Representatives of the Council of Representatives (CoR). The CoR representatives described the ongoing efforts they are undertaking to improve the existing legal framework to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence and to better address the consequences of these crimes, including issues related to forced marriages and the situation of children born to survivors of rape. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals.
In the continuation of her visit to Iraq SRSG Bangura travels to Kurdistan Region.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
UN at “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” Forum in Sulaymaniyah: Near Defeat of Daesh Makes Reconciliation More Significant
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, 08 April 2017 – The “Iraq: Youth and Coexistence” forum engaging youth in the search of ideas for Iraq’s post-Daesh future convened today in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the fifth stop of cross-country meetings and one which is gaining more significance as the triumph over the terrorists in Mosul is approaching.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs Mr. György Busztin, stated in an opening address that unity is key to peace and prosperity and provides hope for the future generation, with peaceful coexistence serving as the main pillar of national unity.
“I confidently hope that all the territory and population of Mosul city as well as all other parts of Iraq would be liberated very soon from the captivity of the extremist terrorist group and rescued from the brutality of their heinous crimes,” Mr. Busztin said.
A total of 80 youth in the age group of 18-35 from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Halabja Governorates participated in the forum, which the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized in cooperation with the Iraqi Al-Amal Association. The meeting in Sulaymaniyah is the fifth of a series of cross-country youth forums intended to give a voice to youth for their crucial role in charting the road to peaceful co-existence in a future Iraq. With these kind of fora, the young generation of Iraqis across different ethnic and sectarian backgrounds has the opportunity to deliberate post-conflict issues, engage on national reconciliation and voice their opinion.
The opening session was attended by member of the board of Al-Amal Association Ms. Amena Goyani, and DSRSG Busztin, who stressed the importance of this forum convening in Sulaymaniyah, which he described as the cultural capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
“This meeting is of deep significance, as it does represent fraternity among the youth from diverse communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and further their willingness to discuss coexistence in a post-Daesh Iraq,” the DSRSG said. “We are fully aware that comprehensive and frank discussion among all segments of society is essential in order to face the heritage of the past, address the threat of the present, and build a common future for Iraq.”
The cross-country forums were first launched in Basra on 28 January 2017, and brought together about 120 participants from the four southern governorates of Basra, Missan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna. The second followed in Erbil on 19 February with 135 participants from Ninewa Governorate. The third was held in Najaf on 18 March, with 115 participants from the Najaf, Karbala, Babel and Qadissiyah Governorates taking part, and the fourth was on 25 March in Diyala Governorate where 68 youth participated. Other conferences are to follow in the Governorates of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Salaheddin, culminating in an overarching national conference in Baghdad in May to be attended by representatives of the youth to incorporate recommendations from these forums in the decisions that support the process of reconciliation and coexistence.
As with the format for all the conferences, the participants in the Sulaymaniyah forum broke up into working groups to deliberate and respond to questions about what they would like to see in a future Iraq and how they can contribute. At the end of the meeting, the participants debated their responses and adopted a set of recommendations.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict Bangura visit to Iraq
Baghdad, 26 - 28 February 2017 - On the invitation of the Government of Iraq the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura is visiting Iraq.
On 26 February 2017 SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Erfan Mahmood Al Hayali, Iraqi Minister of Defense. The implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence (which was signed in New York in September 2016) was discussed as well as the importance of enforcing accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
In the meeting with Mr. Shorish Khalid Saeed, Iraqi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration and implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the survivors centered approach in dealing with these crimes.
SRSG Bangura met with H. E. Dr. Salim Al-Jobouri, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives (CoR). Legislative work that CoR is undertaking in alleviating the consequences of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by DAESH by providing legal framework for the prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes was discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals. It was highlighted that Iraqi results in this field can establish a model that might become a blue print for other countries in similar situations.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, met with H. E. Mr. Haider Al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq. Comprehensive collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence was discussed with special emphasis on the documentation of the cases and persecution of the perpetuators of the sexual violence crimes committed by DAESH. The need to address these serious crimes and the sensitivity of the long term consequences for the victims and the whole society were highlighted.
In the meeting with Mr. Mahmoud Al-Bayati, Director General, Counter-Terrorism and National Security Advisor, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the enforcement of accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
On 27 February 2017, SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Haidar al-Zamili, Iraqi Minister of Justice. The need to provide legal framework for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the horrendous sexual violence crimes and means to obtain and protect evidences and witnesses were discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize so that these goals could be achieved in accordance with the highest standards of the international human rights and criminal law.
In a meeting with Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Jaf, Iraqi Minister for Migrations and Displacement SRSG Bangura discussed the issue of support to the victims of sexual violence, currently located in IDP camps, to cope with trauma and possible stigma.
SRSG Bangura with Mr. Faeq Zaidan, the Head of the High Judicial Council of Iraq discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and training of judges for the filing and processing of the cases of sexual violence committed by Daesh, with the special emphasis on the need to implement the highest standards of the international criminal law and human rights.
In her separate meetings with Mr. Taqi Al Mawla, a Turkmen Shi’a religious leader, and with a group of prominent Sunni religious leaders, SRSG Bangura discussed the role of religious leaders in sensitizing the communities on the issue of assistance to the victims of sexual violence to cope with their traumas and possible stigma.
On 28 February 2017, SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Bangura, met with a group of Representatives of the Council of Representatives (CoR). The CoR representatives described the ongoing efforts they are undertaking to improve the existing legal framework to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence and to better address the consequences of these crimes, including issues related to forced marriages and the situation of children born to survivors of rape. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals.
In the continuation of her visit to Iraq SRSG Bangura travels to Kurdistan Region.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict Bangura visit to Iraq
Baghdad, 26 - 28 February 2017 - On the invitation of the Government of Iraq the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura is visiting Iraq.
On 26 February 2017 SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Erfan Mahmood Al Hayali, Iraqi Minister of Defense. The implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence (which was signed in New York in September 2016) was discussed as well as the importance of enforcing accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
In the meeting with Mr. Shorish Khalid Saeed, Iraqi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration and implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the survivors centered approach in dealing with these crimes.
SRSG Bangura met with H. E. Dr. Salim Al-Jobouri, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives (CoR). Legislative work that CoR is undertaking in alleviating the consequences of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by DAESH by providing legal framework for the prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes was discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals. It was highlighted that Iraqi results in this field can establish a model that might become a blue print for other countries in similar situations.
SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, met with H. E. Mr. Haider Al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq. Comprehensive collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique to address conflict related sexual violence was discussed with special emphasis on the documentation of the cases and persecution of the perpetuators of the sexual violence crimes committed by DAESH. The need to address these serious crimes and the sensitivity of the long term consequences for the victims and the whole society were highlighted.
In the meeting with Mr. Mahmoud Al-Bayati, Director General, Counter-Terrorism and National Security Advisor, SRSG Bangura discussed the structured collaboration on the implementation of the Joint Communique with special emphasis on the enforcement of accountability for the unprecedented, systematic campaign of sexual violence committed by DAESH.
On 27 February 2017, SRSG Bangura met with Mr. Haidar al-Zamili, Iraqi Minister of Justice. The need to provide legal framework for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the horrendous sexual violence crimes and means to obtain and protect evidences and witnesses were discussed. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize so that these goals could be achieved in accordance with the highest standards of the international human rights and criminal law.
In a meeting with Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Jaf, Iraqi Minister for Migrations and Displacement SRSG Bangura discussed the issue of support to the victims of sexual violence, currently located in IDP camps, to cope with trauma and possible stigma.
SRSG Bangura with Mr. Faeq Zaidan, the Head of the High Judicial Council of Iraq discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and training of judges for the filing and processing of the cases of sexual violence committed by Daesh, with the special emphasis on the need to implement the highest standards of the international criminal law and human rights.
In her separate meetings with Mr. Taqi Al Mawla, a Turkmen Shi’a religious leader, and with a group of prominent Sunni religious leaders, SRSG Bangura discussed the role of religious leaders in sensitizing the communities on the issue of assistance to the victims of sexual violence to cope with their traumas and possible stigma.
On 28 February 2017, SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mrs. Bangura, met with a group of Representatives of the Council of Representatives (CoR). The CoR representatives described the ongoing efforts they are undertaking to improve the existing legal framework to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence and to better address the consequences of these crimes, including issues related to forced marriages and the situation of children born to survivors of rape. SRSG Bangura confirmed readiness of the United Nations to provide support and expertize in achieving these goals.
In the continuation of her visit to Iraq SRSG Bangura travels to Kurdistan Region.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
Berlin. 2014.
"Jugend Demo gegen den IS-Terror".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
The Wahhabi ideology is the backbone of Islamic terrorism, sponsored by Saudi Arabia. It is preached freely in the United Kingdom. The Wahhabi ideology is responsible for the radicalisation of our youth and vulnerable individuals. It is a form of hate speech that incites enmity for the West. It is a threat to everything the United Kingdom stands for.
Wahhabi mosques effectively work as terrorist-producing factories.
Even if the UK continues airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, we will have achieved nothing while the ideology of ISIS, Wahhabism, thrives within our borders.
The Wahhabis have laid their roots in the United Kingdom. Mosques like Regent's Park Mosque, Finsbury Mosque and Dewsbury Mosque are amongst those promoting the Wahhabi ideology in the United Kingdom.
To tackle homegrown terrorism and restore peace, it is necessary now to ban Wahhabism from the United Kingdom with immediate effect, in the same way that the government banned the Khilafah movement.
This is a matter of national security and the future of this great country.
Let's demand that David Cameron take this step to save the United Kingdom - before it is too late.
SIGN THE PETITION TO BAN WAHHABISM IN THE UK:
www.change.org/p/rt-hon-david-cameron-mp-ban-wahhabism-in...
SIGN THE PETITION TO BAN WAHHABISM IN THE USA:
Amongst the crowd of anti-war protesters a woman holds a sign which reads "Why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?"
Thousands attend "Don't Bomb Syria" anti-war protest at Downing Street: London 28/11/2015
In anticipation of MP's voting next week on whether or not the UK government should launch an air-strike campaign in Syria, thousands of anti-war protesters gathered outside Downing Street to voice their opposition to armed intervention in the region.
All photos © Pete Riches
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A Spanish soldier provides cover fire with a Browning Machine Gun at during a quick response training at the Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, April 26, 2019. The 74 nations and five international organizations that make up the Global Coalition remain resolved to ensure the lasting defeat of Daesh. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon Best)
These young women gave an incredibly strong speech about the horrific events they and their families went through. They are a reminder to all of us what Europe should be about, why it is our duty to stop Daesh and do all we can for the refugees, regardless of faith and ethnicity.
Rund 100 Kurden, Anhänger der kurdischen Selbstverteidigungskräfte YPG/YPJ, feiern vor dem Brandenburger Tor in Berlin den Sieg der Kurden über den IS im syrisch-kurdischen Tal Abyad.
In einer Rede wurde ihre Solidarität mit den Kurden in Rojava ausgedrückt.
Rund 70 Kurden protestieren in Berlin auf dem ALexanderplatz für de Freilassung des PKK-Führers Abdullah Öcalan, der auf der türkischen Gefängnisinsel Imrali einsitzt.
In Sprechchören und Redebeiträgen bekunden die Teilnehmer ihre Unterstüzung mit Öcalan, der PKK, sowie der nordsyrischen YPG/YPJ. Sie weisen zudem auf den Kampf der YPG/YPJ gegen radikalislamische Milizen wie Daesh (ISIS) und der Al-Nusrah-Front hin. Sie fordern die sofortige Freilassung Öcalans aus türkischer Haft und betonen die Bedeutung des PKK-Gründers für den Frieden in der Region. Zudem wenden sie sich gegen das Regime des türkischen Präsidenten Recep Tayyip Erdogan und seiner AKP.
Es werden während der Kundgebung nur Fahnen in den kurdischen Farben gezeigt, jedoch keine der YPG/YPJ oder mit dem Porträt Öcalans.
UN at Reconciliation Meeting Urges Iraqis to Seize the Momentum of Victory over Daesh to Build a Better Future
Najaf, 13 December 2017 - Iraq’s victory over the Daesh terrorists provides an opportunity for the country to shed its painful past and confidently embark on the road to peace and development, the United Nations emphasised at a conference on national reconciliation in Najaf today, urging Iraqis of all affiliations to seize the momentum and build on it to ensure a prosperous future for the younger generation.
The call came at a roundtable discussion that brought together tribal, religious, academic, political party and civil society actors from the Najaf and Diwaniyah Governorates to gauge the opinion of Iraqis from all corners of the country and tackle challenges to the Iraqi national reconciliation in the post-Daesh phase.
This is the sixth and last of such regional roundtables to convene under the theme “National Settlement: Prospects and Challenges” since September. Their recommendations will enhance the process that will lead to an inclusive National Settlement to take Iraq into the future after years of conflict and divisions. The meetings were organised jointly by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Implementation and Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation at the Office of the Prime Minister, with funding from the Governments of Germany and the Netherlands.
The representative of the Implementation and Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Ali Abbas, opened the meeting in Najaf with an overview of the National Settlement document, which he explained forms the basis for national reconciliation.
“There is no alternative to the settlement, or to reconciliation. It is a necessity. The other choices are: No stability, No security, No development.”
He said the National Settlement discussion should involve all components and groups and is open to ideas and proposals, but all should be in line with the Constitution.
Addressing the participants - 68 men and 28 women from Najaf and Diwaniyah Governorates - the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Political and Electoral Affairs, Ms. Alice Walpole, alluded to Najaf’s significance in reconciliation, a city she described as renowned for its spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
Ms. Walpole said the defeat of Daesh provides the opportunity to press forward on the course towards permanent peace, so that the country can focus all its energies and resources on reconstruction.
“Reconciliation is a long process. We need to work together to develop a clear vision for Iraq’s better future,” the Deputy Special Representative emphasised. “We believe that all Iraqis need to capitalise on this momentum and build a basis for peaceful coexistence.”
Participants highlighted post-Daesh challenges with regard to national reconciliation. Opinions were diverse, from diagnosing the ills of the country and ways to move forward, to calls to combat corruption, ensure justice, hold perpetrators of crimes accountable, enact political reforms and work towards economic development.
They called for robust engagement of the United Nations in the political and development fields, including on elections and education, as well as in capacity building, pointing to UN experience in other countries and how this can be applied to Iraq.
Ms. Walpole underlined that the United Nations is committed to assisting the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people in overcoming the many challenges.
“There is a real need for constructive dialogue at every level,” the Deputy Special Representative said. “I am certain that, with the concerted efforts of Iraq’s leaders, political forces and its people of all ethnic and religious groups and their patriotism, assisted by the continued support of the international community, Iraq will be able to surmount post-Daesh challenges and build a better future.”
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
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.
Berlin. 2015.
Kurdische Kundgebung vor der türkischen Botschaft nach dem Anschlag in Suruç.
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
Rund 100 Kurden, Anhänger der kurdischen Selbstverteidigungskräfte YPG/YPJ, feiern vor dem Brandenburger Tor in Berlin den Sieg der Kurden über den IS im syrisch-kurdischen Tal Abyad.
In einer Rede wurde ihre Solidarität mit den Kurden in Rojava ausgedrückt.
Berlin. 2015.
"In Gedenken an Ivana Hoffmann".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
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.
Rund 100 Kurden, Anhänger der kurdischen Selbstverteidigungskräfte YPG/YPJ, feiern vor dem Brandenburger Tor in Berlin den Sieg der Kurden über den IS im syrisch-kurdischen Tal Abyad.
In einer Rede wurde ihre Solidarität mit den Kurden in Rojava ausgedrückt.
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.
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.