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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.
Rund 100 Menschen nahmen an einer Demonstration unter dem Motto "Yarmouk retten" von Berlin Neukölln nach Kreuzberg teil. Die vornehmlich aus Syrern, Palästinensern und linken Gruppen bestehende Demonstration wollte an die Einnahme des palästinensischen Flüchtlingslagers im südlich Damaskus durch den sogenannten Islamischen Staat (IS) und die fortgesetzte Bombardierung und Belagerung durch die Truppen des syrischen Machthabers Baschar al-Assad erinnern.
Podczas wizyty w Waszyngtonie minister Witold Waszczykowski wziął udział w spotkaniu ministrów spraw zagranicznych Państw Globalnej Koalicji do Walki z Daesh, a także w spotkaniu tzw. Małej Grupy krajów najbardziej zaangażowanych w działania Koalicji.
fot.: Matthew Stefanski
Berlin. 2014.
"Jugend Demo gegen den IS-Terror".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
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.
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.
www.facebook.com/albertohugorojas
La ciudad de Makhmur en el Kurdistán Iraquí, pasó a manos del Estado Islámico o Daesh en 2014, recuperada de nuevo por las fuerzas kurdas y una milicia civil de voluntarios para defender a la ciudad en el futuro.
En el pequeño colegio de primaria del pueblo, las clases se desarrollan con normalidad muy cerca de la línea de combate que protege la población próxima a Mosul, la segunda ciudad más grande de Iraq tomada por el Estado Islámico o Daesh. El profesorado imparte las clases y son el apoyo psicológico de niños que vivieron la guerra. Cuando termina la jornada acompañan a los pequeños a sus casas, pues los terroristas pueden volver en cualquier momento.
El ejército iraquí y los pesmergas kurdos, con el apoyo de los de los países que bombardean la zona, planean reconquistar Mosul, esto ocasionará una nueva crisis humanitaria de un millón y medio de desplazados internos más.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Matteo Bressan
Marina Calculli
Alberto Negri
Daniele Raineri
Domitilla Savignoni
Nessuna nazione e nessun continente si può dire al riparo dal radicalismo armato e dunque dalla minaccia terroristica. E il pericolo non viene solo dall'Isis, peraltro sempre più in difficoltà. Resta un alto numero di combattenti stranieri che dopo essersi uniti allo Stato Islamico potrebbero tornare nei paesi di origine per compiere attentati. La notizia di un presunto appello del califfo Al Bagdadi alle cellule sparse per il mondo affinché entrino in azione potrebbe essere realistica. L'eventuale sconfitta militare di Daesh in Siria e Iraq potrebbe rendere ancora più pericolosa la minaccia terroristica in Europa e nel resto del mondo. In questo scenario il ruolo dei media, soprattutto dei social network, resta fondamentale. Sia per il sedicente "stato islamico", che li usa per il reclutamento e la propaganda, sia per i governi che setacciano il web per cercare di individuare e fermare le potenziali minacce.
No nation and no continent can be considered safe from armed radicalism and thus from the terrorist threat. The danger does not come only from ISIS which has become increasingly weakened. A high number of foreign fighters, after joined the Islamic State, could return to their home countries to carry out attacks. The news of a supposed appeal of the Caliph Al Bagdadi addressed to the scattered cells in the world to come into action could be realistic. The eventual military defeat of Daesh in Syria and Iraq could make the terrorist threat even more dangerous in Europe and around the world. In this scenario, the role of the media, especially social networks, remains essential, both for the so-called “Islamic state,” which uses them for recruiting and propaganda, and for governments that scour the web to try to identify and stop potential threats.
video: media.journalismfestival.com/programme/2017/the-radicalis...
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.
Berlin. 2017.
"وقفة تضامنية مع أهلنا المحاصرين في الغوطة ودير الزور / Solidaritätskundgebung für die im Osten Damaskus' belagerten Menschen in al-Ghouta".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
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.
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.
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.
UNAMI Training Ends with a Call to Strengthen the Capacities of Women to Participate Meaningfully in National Reconciliation and Historic Settlement Process
Baghdad, Iraq, 22 December 2017 – A training to enhance the negotiation and mediation skills of local civil society groups and women leaders, organized by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and UN Women, concluded in Baghdad on 20 December with calls for increased participation of women and civil society groups in community reconciliation, national reconciliation and historic settlement. The training was a follow-up to the basic training and workshop delivered to the same participants in October 2016. The workshop aimed at training women leaders to be effective mediators and facilitators. It also focused on the important role women can play in peace building, negotiations and political processes. Similar training and workshops have been delivered to 60 women leaders, human rights defenders, members of provincial, district and sub districts councils in the Southern Governorates of Karbala, Najaf, Babil, Qadisiya, Wasit, Basra, Muthana, Dhi Qqar and Missan.
Women leaders at the workshop emphasized their readiness to UNAMI/UNWOMEN to advocate for their full participation and to offer them opportunities to participate in negotiations and reconciliation alongside their male counterparts. They agreed to form networks within their communities to address post Daesh issues like trust building among affected communities, de-radicalization of violent extremism as well as reconciling communities. They urged the UN to support their efforts towards rebuilding broken communities in the aftermath of the conflict with Daesh. They also urged the UN to strengthen women’s participation in the negotiations and political arena which was limited for women.
Speaking at the closing session of the four-day training, Ms. Mmabatlharo Nono Dihemo, Gender Advisor for UNAMI stressed the importance of strengthening the capacities of women to participate meaningfully in national reconciliation and historic settlement. Ms. Dihemo said: “Limited progress has been made towards increasing women representation in negotiation and mediation processes in Iraq. One of the reasons attributed to this is the belief by some that women lack the confidence and capacity to participate in such processes aimed at shaping the future of the country”.
However, Iraqi women are resilient, and have shown that they are capable of leading and influencing the political arena. Ms Dihemo said that “despite the explicit goal to promote women’s participation, as envisaged in the Iraq National Action Plan (INAP), women’s direct political participation in national reconciliation has continued to remain low and this needs to be recognized and addressed”.
She mentioned that she met with political leaders in Baghdad, Erbil and Suleymania and discussed ways to strengthen the participation of women in decision making and political processes. Ms Dihemo assured that UNAMI and UNWOMEN will work with all stakeholders to ensure the establishment of measures and legal frameworks that guarantee the participation of women in all three arms of the government, particularly the judiciary where women are underrepresented; and in national and community reconciliation processes; cabinet and government institutions.
Photos by UNAMI PIO.
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.
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.
Podczas wizyty w Waszyngtonie minister Witold Waszczykowski wziął udział w spotkaniu ministrów spraw zagranicznych Państw Globalnej Koalicji do Walki z Daesh, a także w spotkaniu tzw. Małej Grupy krajów najbardziej zaangażowanych w działania Koalicji.
fot.: Matthew Stefanski
Berlin. 2015.
"In Gedenken an Ivana Hoffmann".
Thorsten Strasas. - Wien | Berlin. - Photographers in Solidarity.
Rund 150 Menschen, haptsächlich Kurden, beteiligen sich an einer Kundgebung in Berlin vor dem Gebäude der Vereinten Nationen in Berlin.
Sie protestieren gegen die militärischen Aktionen der Türkei und den Einmarsch türkischer Truppen rund um das nordsyrische, kurdische Efrin (Afrin). In Sprechchören und Reden fordern sie ein Ende der Aktionen und die Weltgemeinschaft zum Handeln auf. Auf Schildern wird auch der bekannt gewordene Einsatz deutscher Rüstungsgüter, darunter Leopard 2 Panzer kritisiert. Die Teilnehmer erinnern zudem an den Kampf der Kurden im nördlichen Syrien in der Region Rojava gegen Daesh ("Islamischer Staat").
Am Rande stellte die Polizei zumindest eine Fahne, die offensichtlich unter die jüngsten Verbote des Bundesinnenministeriums kurdische Organisationen betreffend, fiel.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Berlin. 2017.
"Mahnwache Solidarität mit al-Ghouta und Deir ez-Zor".
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.
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.