Call to International Civil Society to Stand in Solidarity With the Nonviolent Protests in Iraq

Large-scale Iraqi protests are entering their second week in many provinces including, Basra, Nasiriya, Maysan, Muthana, Diwania, Karbala, Najaf, and parts of Baghdad. Increasingly, they are being met with suppression and an escalation of violence by the Iraqi security forces and riot police.  EN || AR

Environmental Threats, Lack of Water, Poor Job Opportunities and Declining Social Benefits Produce Massive Protests in Southern Iraq

Iraqis have been demonstrating for days in immense protests across southern Iraq—in Basra, Nasiriyah, Amarah, Kut, Karbala and Najaf—demanding basic services and rights, including water, electricity, and jobs. The frequency of demonstrations targeting oil fields, ports and airports, and the headquarters of political parties has mounted in recent days, EN || AR

Covering Corruption Exposes Journalists to Arrest in Iraq

Reporters Without Borders condemns the arrests to which two investigative reporters have been subjected in different parts of Iraq in connection with their coverage of corruption, and calls for an end to the harassment of these journalists.  EN || AR

Local Forums Across Iraq Reveal a Strong and Growing Youth Movement

Over the past year, the Iraqi Social Forum has become a model for smaller local forums springing up throughout the country. These local forums galvanize and train young activists to work inclusively and nonviolently to create a better Iraq, one based on the values of peace and social cohesion. EN || AR

From the Chibayish District, the Marshes Festival Sends a Call to Iraqis to Protect Nature

After Iraqis celebrated the inclusion of their marshes on the World Heritage List two years ago in July 2016, it was expected that this would mark the beginning of a new stage of recovery and prosperity throughout all of the Iraqi marshlands. It was hoped that this international recognition would end many years of neglect  EN || AR