Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) Releases Conference Statement and Next Steps

Press Release

November 16, 2011, Erbil, IRAQ   “Another Iraq is Possible with Peace and Human Rights,” agree 250 representatives of civil society organizations who met October 8-9 in Erbil, Iraq.

A final declaration from their work together has been released this week in Arabic, Kurdish, French, Italian, and English and lays out a vision for social activists working to promote national sovereignty for Iraq (see:  http://www.iraqicivilsociety.org/).  The conference statement, issued six weeks before the final withdrawal of US forces, focuses on social justice, human rights, freedom, and self-determination for Iraqi citizens. Iraqi activists from trade unions, women’s and human rights organizations, youth programs, journalist syndicates and peace networks, joined together with over 100 international partners as the Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI).  Meeting since 2007, this year’s ICCSI agenda focused discussions on four vital sectors of Iraqi civil society.

1. Iraqi trade unions in all sectors, seek the development of new labor laws to guarantee workers’ rights, especially the right to demonstrate and strike.
2. Iraqi journalists demand freedom from government restrictions and protection from civil society organizations.
3. Iraqi women insist upon full rights and equality under the law.  Conference participants denounced all violence against women and all traditions that violate women’s rights and prevent them from reaching their full capacity.
4. Iraqi youth, an important force for change and social progress, seek opportunities in education and employment; encouraging civil society and government to work together to develop Iraq’s young generations.

Expert panelists and the audience examined two critical issues: 1) the privatization of oil and 2) the devastation of Iraq’s environment and the increase in very serious health effects caused by the war.  Those present agreed that these issues require extensive study and immediate action by civil society organizations and activists within and outside of Iraq. Firmly committed to these goals, the international members of ICSSI committed their support to Iraqi NGOs as they take a decisive role in shaping Iraq’s future, addressing problems of unemployment, corruption, and lack of services.  Solutions such as open dialogue, partnerships development, collaboration, advocacy and participation in the upcoming World Social Forums arose from numerous discussions. Members of the ICSSI will be working together over the next year to plan and carry out solidarity campaigns to advance specific goals that the ICSSI conference participants identified.   related documents: Final declaration 3rd conference ICSSI Erbil oct.2011 (Arabic) Final declaration 3rd conference ICSSI Erbil oct.2011 (English) Final declaration 3rd conference ICSSI Erbil oct.2011 (French) Final declaration 3rd conference ICSSI Erbil oct.2011 (Italian)   list of NGOs and groups represented: