Iraqi Elections: the silent majority and a new wave of violence
The Iraq Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) Written by: Ismaeel Dawood and Terry Kay Rockefeller , May 2013 Boycotts and Protests Provincial elections were held in two thirds of the Iraqi governorates this year on the 20th of April. The central government chose to postpone elections in Anbar and Ninevah, the two governorates that have...
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...
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....
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...
A Nother Iraq is Possible … Iraq of Peace, Human Rights and Social Justice
The Iraqi Social Forum prospects and challenges Towards the establishment of the Iraqi Social Forum A working paper submitted by the preparatory committee of the Iraqi Social Forum with the contribution of the Iraqi delegation in the works of the World Social Forum in Tunisia For the period 26 – 30 March, 2013 Iraqis are...
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...
Iraqi Minorities, A Spring Experience In Crisis
Hussam Abdullah Ali A paper submitted by the Azidi Solidarity and Fraternity League, part of the contribution of the Iraqi delegation to the World Social Forum – Tunisia – 26-30 – March 2013 The political, economic and social crises in Iraq still go on ,as well the suffering of Iraqi minorities ! Minorities in Iraq...
From Iraq to Tunis: Iraqis Shout for the Rights of All!
The World Social Forum opened with a collective march the 26th of March 2013, the march brought together thousands of locals and internationals crowding the Tunisian streets. The WSF is taking place for the first time in an Arab country: Tunis, activities are organized in Al Manar University. The slogan of the Tunis world social...
Human Rights Defenders in Iraq Pay the Most!
The Iraq Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) expresses its deep condolences to the families of the civil activists that were killed or injured in Fallujah last week, and call for immediate investigation about who was behind this criminal attack. Three civil activists from Tammuz organization- Fallujah office were killed and other 2 were badly injured...
International Women’s Day in Kurdistan-A year’s review
By: Johanna Rivera, she works at ICSSI and as a volunteer for People Development Association, which is one of Zhiyan Groups members. A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. Melinda Gates Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. For the past weeks,...