In Iraqi Kurdistan Those Who Murder Women Go Free
“There is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. And we are here for the long haul.” – Hoda Elsadda Zhiyan group representatives are never satisfied; they never rest when it comes to women’s issues. Last week they had a press conference to release results of a study about the impact of the...
Meet Me in Hasankeyf: Culture, People and Politics in Hasankeyf
After our session on global solidarity against water grabs, I headed to south east Turkey, the Kurdistan of Turkey, to the region where the GAP project is being implemented to attend the Hasankeyf Ingathering and explore this ancient city under threat of being engulfed by the Tigris river and with it, to wash away its...
Women Groups in Suleimaniya Demand an End to the Patriarchal System
“Darperwary bo Mamosta Sakar” –Justice for Mamosta Sakar Last week, on Monday, April 22nd, women groups demonstrated in front of Suleimaniya Court. They were protesting the release of Mamosta Sakar’s father. In a controversial case well know to the media and to most people in Kurdistan, the case of Mamosta Sakar has become an icon...
Iraqi and International NGOs Appeal for Justice in the Case of Jala Thyab
ICSSI joins the call for justice from local and International Organizations in iraq. We join the call from IKV Pax Christi and local NGO’s below in strongly condemning the assassination of Jalal Dhiab, director of the ‘Ansar al-Huriyya’ association, which took place in al-Zubayr, Basra province, on Friday 26 April. We also join the call upon the...
Women Rights Activists in Kurdistan: March 8th-No for Bargaining on Women’s Rights
More than 150 activists and members of civil society gathered for March 8th Celebration in Suleimaniya under the slogan of “No for bargaining on the women`s rights and issues”. Demands of Zhiyan Group on the March 8th, International Women`s Day To: The citizens, public opinion, media, civil society, political parties, and all concerned parties....
Latest News from Unions Supporting Workers Rights in Iraq
Latest video about Hassan Juma’a from USLAW More and more people are signing the letter and writing about workers rights violations in Iraq. Here are some of the resolutions and news that we found online in solidarity with Hassan Juma: Plumbers, Steamfitters and Refrigeration Fitters- UA Local Union California Resolution in Support of Labor Rights...
Rising Violence in Iraq Spurs Fears of New Sectarian War
From The New York Times April 25th, 2013 By Tim Arango BAGHDAD — In what appeared to be a new phase in an intensifying conflict that has raised fears of greater bloodshed and a wider sectarian war, Iraqi soldiers opened fire from helicopters on Sunni gunmen hiding in a northern village on Wednesday, officials said....
A common story between Chibayish and Hasankeyf
By Nawras Al-Shabani Translated by Taif Alwachi One of the kids began drawing his portrait, and bestowed it with bright colors, childhood innocence, and the beauty of nature surrounding him. He made it a speaking portrait, especially after he wrote a phrase in Turkish at its center. I did not know it’s meaning until his...
The Power of Political Islamization in Iraq: The Case of Ending the Civil State
The Power of Political Islamization in Iraq: The Case of Ending the Civil State Psycho-political Perspective By Faris Nadhmi*; A working paper submitted within the contribution of the Iraqi delegation to the works of the World Social Forum in Tunisia for the period from 26 to 30 March, 2013. Presented on March 27th, 2013 at...
Global Solidarity Against Water Grabs by Dams and Mining Projects
These are highlights from our session at the World Social Forum in Tunis titled “Global Solidarity Against Water Grabs by Dam and Mining Projects.” We had interventions and case studies from people affected by dams in Turkish Kurdistan, Iraq, and India; and communities affected by mining in Mexico and Peru. Claudia Campero a local organizer...
From Baghdad to Boston, We Reject Violence!
The Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative [ICSSI] and the Baghdad Marathon want to extend our condolences to the families of the victims of the explosions that took place at the Boston Marathon, in Baghdad, and elsewhere in Iraq on April 15th. We grieve for all those killed and injured by these explosions targeting innocent, peaceful...
A Call for International Solidarity with Basra Protests
For the 9th consecutive day workers in Basra continue to protests South Oil Company and other oil companies’ hostile workers policies. They have set a protest camp, which has the participation of large numbers of workers from different oil sites. In a wonderful labor phenomenon and a unique experience, the workers continue in support for...