Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative

The Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) is dedicated to bringing together Iraqi and international civil societies through concrete actions to build together another Iraq, with peace and Human Rights for all.

News

Stop Water Wars! Do Not Weaponize Dams and Other Critical Infrastructure

Save The Tigris Campaign Save The Tigris strongly condemns President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with Russians opposed to the war. We uphold the right of all peoples to self-determination and oppose the imperialisms of all shades – whatever their national or institutional origins – that […]

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Statement: Ensuing the Arrest Warrants Against Human Rights Defenders in Basra, WE REFUSE TO BE SILENCED!

The Iraqi provinces that witnessed angry demonstrations in October 1st, 2019, which demanded the end of corruption and nepotism in all parts of the Iraqi state, accountability for those causing the disruption the country is facing, grant and guarantee freedoms, and end the restrictions imposed by the authorities and armed groups, are still unsafe environments […]

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Hope for democracy in Iraq as political violence escalates

Iraq is at a crossroads as the losers of the country’s recent elections are using violence in an attempt to overturn the results of the vote. At the same time, a genuine opposition is emerging for the first time. Over the past month, there has been an increase in political violence in Iraq again. But, […]

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For Teaching Kurdish, Iranian Authorities Sentence Zara Mohammedi to 5 years in Prison

Rudaw A Kurdish language teacher and activist, who has been sentenced to five years by Iranian authorities on national security charges, turned herself in on Saturday following a final ruling from court about her case. Zara Mohammadi was charged with “establishing a committee and group that is against the stability and security of the system” […]

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The Post-Elections Situation of the Human Rights Defenders in Iraq

Over the past years, Iraqis have been victims of all the political, economic, social, and sectarian tensions facing the country. As human rights are in the worst condition according to local and international standards. Due to the absence of a human rights law, dozens of activists and human rights defenders face daily torture and disappearance […]

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Officially, ICSSI’s Conference 2022: Starting Over from Solidarity!

The Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative is happy to invite you to participate in its 11th International Conference Starting Over from Solidarity, which will take place from 11th to 16th March in the city of Sulaymaniyah.  Three years have passed since we last gathered in Baghdad to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ICSSI. Those days represented a chance to reflect on […]

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Floods Hit Kurdistan Region as Drought Leaves Many Iraqis in Need

Al-Monitor Muddy torrents rushed violently through some parts of the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and the surrounding area on Dec. 17, smashing homes, submerging vehicles and sweeping away people. The floods and accompanying storms left at least 12 dead, including two foreign nationals. One was reportedly killed by lightning. Of the two still missing as […]

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An Iraqi Sheikh Describes Muhammad Ramadan with Racist Words and the Audience Showers Him with Precious Gifts at His Last Concert in Baghdad

Archyde In turn, Muhammad Ramadan responded to the Brahimi clip through his official account on Instagram, by saying: “How does the House of God object to my color that God created? In general, I am forgiving, with love and respect for the Iraqi people, and with all respect and appreciation for all religions and all […]

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Iraqi Kurdistan Records 119 New Coronavirus Cases, 9 Deaths: Health Ministry

EKurd Kurdistan Regional Government KRG’s Health Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday that 119 new cases of coronavirus were recorded across the Iraqi Kurdistan region in the past 24 hours. According to the ministry 43 new cases in Duhok governorate, 39 in Sulaimani, 36 in Erbil, and 1 in Germiyan administration have tested positive […]

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Baghdad Acid Attack Survivor Recounts Traumatic Incident

Rudaw Maryam Rukabi, 16, dreamed of a career in media after completing her education. She did not know that refusing a marriage proposal would change her life forever when her suitor attacked her with acid in retaliation for the rejection.  Sifting through pictures of herself before the attack, she recounts to Rudaw the traumatic moment […]

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The Environment on the Border Areas in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been Greatly Damaged, Due to Continuous Bombardment

With the decades-long bombardment on the border areas of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) by Iran and Turkey, the ongoing fighting between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and the constant border bombings by Turkey under the pretext of fighting the PKK are all causing significant damage in the area, specifically material and […]

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UNHCR Holds Event Against Gender-Based Violence in Erbil

K24 ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UN partner organizations, including UN WFP, SWEDO UNFPA, held an event near Erbil’s citadel on Monday as part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).  Every year since 2008, the United Nations Secretary General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, […]

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