We Are // Iraq.

Iraq has felt the pain of war and violence in every corner of the country. Many forces have threatened to divide us for their own schemes. Time and again Iraqis have risen up to seek a better future. Iraq has a rich history of religious and cultural diversity that has been a blessing to the world. We cannot allow this heritage to be destroyed or for Iraq’s religious diversity to be nothing more than the dusty buildings of ancient communities. Iraq should be a homeland for all Iraqis, without discrimination. There must be an end to the corruption, division, and violence that leaves the people to suffer the costs.

We have to stand against broken thinking.

We must now take our stand against hatred.

We know that repression and violence as a means of religious dominance or political control is futile and shameful. There is no honour in this way. It is bad religion. It is crooked politics.

We are // looking to a brighter future in which we’ve grasped hold of old truths and principles which show the way to live harmoniously with those who hold differing beliefs.

We don’t need to agree with each other. We can disagree profoundly. We can argue and persuade. But we can respect each other and behave as civilised people.

We know that we are // them and they are us. We all have a right to live peacefully in accordance with our beliefs. This is dignity. This brings stability. This brings peace.

This is the future we are // demanding.

We Are // United. We Are // Iraq.

To Restore Our Honour

The Iraqi Government must:

Ensure equal and fair representation of all Iraqis in elections to ensure a representative political system that is based on human dignity and the equality of all Iraqis and not a system based on privilege and discrimination enforced by violence and impunity.

Ensure full implementation of the Yazidi [Women] Survivors Law (YSL) to provide support for victims of Daesh/ISIS crimes through recognition, justice, and recovery efforts, including the fair prosecution of those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Issue an amended Personal Status Law to fully implement Article 41 of the Constitution: “Iraqis are free to adhere to their personal status according to their religions, sects, beliefs, or choices, this shall be regulated by law.” This protects the full rights of all Iraqis to fully exercise their religious freedom without discrimination, as protected in Articles 14, 41, 42, and 43 of the Iraqi constitution.

Amend or replace Article 26 of the Unified National Identity Card Law which violates the rights of minors through forced conversion based on the actions of one of their parents.
Abolish Law No. 105 of 1970 which prohibits the practice of the Baha'i faith and allow for full exercise of religious freedom in line with Articles 14, 41, 42, and 43 of the Iraqi constitution.

We Are // United. We Are // Iraq.