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CONTACTING PEOPLE IN IRAQ
There is a great deal in
the media about Iraq. Most of the information we get, however, tells
us very little about how people are actually living and what else is
going on besides the endless violence of both the occupation and the
so-called ‘insurgency’. Despite extraordinarily difficult
circumstances, there are new projects, new grassroots initiatives.
We, from Act Together,
are invited to speak at meetings about our group and about Iraq, and
we are often asked what else people can do besides lobby their MPs and
go on demonstrations.
Iraq has been isolated from
the rest of the world by 13 years of the most comprehensive sanctions
in history and, now, by the occupation and chaotic violence. To be able
to exchange views and information with people outside, to co-operate
or collaborate on projects with them, to feel a sense of solidarity
and support, is very important for people in Iraq at the moment. We
have, therefore, compiled a very partial initial list of grassroots
organisations based in Iraq or working there and individuals. Please
contact them if you are interested in supporting their work.
Women's Will
A recently formed Iraq-based NGO, who are not linked to a particular
political party. They run courses for women on education, health, employment,
rights, etc. and publish a monthly journal called Women's Will, where
they discuss the difficulties facing women under occupation and the
daily struggle for basic needs, the situation of women prisoners, the
disappeared and missing, constitutional issues facing women, etc.
Contact: Hana Ibrahim, chair and journal editor
Email: womenwillbody2004@yahoo.com
Tel: 009641 5153077/ 5154979/ 5419662
The Iraqi Women’s League
The Iraqi Women’s League (UK branch) recently held a day-long
workshop in London on women’s issues concerning the drafting of
the new Iraqi constitution. At the moment they are setting up women’s
groups in different parts of Iraq to discuss the constitution and lobby
the drafting committee on behalf of women’s rights.
Contact: Souad Al Jazairy
Email: sjazairy@hotmail.com
Freedom Voice Society for Human Rights.
This Baghdad based organisation is a member of the Council for Human
Rights and deals with general human rights abuses against Iraqis.
Contact: Abdul Wahab Al Obeid (director)
Email: freedom_voice1943@yahoo.com
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Programme
A project started by a group of Iraqi psychiatrists. Based in Baghdad
and other parts of the country, the programme aims to train teachers
and parents to deal with post-traumatic stress in children in their
care. Everyday Iraq’s children witness death and extreme violence,
they suffer terrible losses and live in a dangerous world where their
parents can do little to protect them. There are only 60 psychiatrists
in Iraq and only now are some specialising in children.
There are a few child psychiatric clinics. But there is much more demand
than there is supply.
Contact: Dr. Said Al-Hashimi
Email:saidalhashimi@yahoo.com
Medical Aid for Iraqi Children
This UK based charity run largely by Iraqis was set up in 1995. For
10 years during sanctions and through to the present, the charity has
sent medicines and medical equipment to Iraq. They work closely with
doctors in Iraq and have recently brought some to the UK for additional
specialised training, They track every one of their shipments to ensure
arrival at their intended destination and London-based workers for the
charity visit Iraq to find out what is needed.
Website: www.maic.org.uk
Email: info@maic.org.uk
Study on the effect of depleted uranium
on children
Dr. Jawad Al Ali is a child oncologist in Basra. He is studying the
effects on children’s health of Depleted Uranium, which was dropped
on the southern part of the country in the 1991 and again in 2003. There
has been a marked increase in childhood cancers and severe birth deformities
in that area. Dr Al Ali is also investigating the effects that other
kinds of pollution are having on the health of children in the city
and its environs. This pollution is also the result of the recent wars
and sanctions.
Email: jawadalali44@yahoo.com
Iraqi/International Stop Depleted Uranium
Now
An anti-DU campaigning group recently formed by Iraqi artist, Rashad
Selim. The group is London-based but with connections inside Iraq and
other parts of the world.
Contact: Rashad Selim
Email:iandixdu@yahoo.co.uk
INCIA International Network of Contemporary
Iraqi Artists
The London-based network puts on exhibitions of Iraqi artists, provides
contact information with Iraqi artists and seeks to facilitate collaboration
between Iraqi and non-Iraqi artists.
Contact: Maysaloun Faraj.
Email:info@incia.co.uk
Iraqi Writers Union
An important Iraq-based group representing writers - provides a forum
for exchange of ideas & information.
Contact : Hanon Majeed. ( Press officer)
Email: hanon-39@maktoob.com or hanon-39@maktoob.com
Independent Film & Television College
This free-of-charge film-training centre in Baghdad was started by 2
London-based Iraqi filmmakers in 2004, to help young Iraqis make their
own films. The college offers one, two or three-month intensive courses
in camera, sound, lighting, documentary and short fiction film production.
Because of the security situation and piecemeal funding from charities,
trade unions and individuals, progress is slower than might be wished,
but so far, they have been able to run 2 courses and are continuing
to work. In autumn 2005, they should have their first completed student
films.
Contacts: Kasim Abid, Maysoon Pachachi
Emails: kasimabid@yahoo.co.uk, maysoon@oxymoronfilms.demon.co.uk
Jubilee Iraq
This UK based group is working to cancel Iraq’s debts and are
involved in lobbying the UN, US and Iraqi governments and political
parties. It has extensive links with groups in Iraq and with those working
on the issue of debt all over the world.
Contact: Justin Alexander
Email: justinalexander@gmail.com, justin@jubileeiraq.org
Some individuals:
Hana Edwar
Amal NGO, one of the few NGOs still doing humanitarian work in Iraq
Tel: 00964 (0)7901919286
Adel Al Tai
Painter &Photographer, Baghdad
Tel: 00964 (0)7901730881
Dr Amar
Head of Cinema Without Borders
The Academy of Fine Arts, Baghdad
Tel: 00964 (0)7901443062
Thikra Monem
Ballet Teacher, Baghdad
00964 (0)7901664778
Adil Hameed Raheem
Director Cultural Relations & Public Affairs Dept. University of
Basra
Email:adil-hamed72@yahoo.com
Tel: Mobile 00964 7891019400 Home 00964 40624042 University 00964 40412328
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