WCC CONTINUES TO LEAD THE FIGHT FOR INCLUSIVE CITIZENSHIP IN IRAQ.

The WCC delegation meets with Mr. Mohsen Al Mandalawi, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Iraq, at his residence on December 11, 2023. Photo: Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Iraq / 15 January 2024

The World Council of Churches (WCC), together with its working partners CAPNI and UFUQ, firmly declares its commitment to achieving permanent peace in Iraq through justice and inclusive citizenship.

The success of the national education curriculum revision project, which aims to promote an inclusive education system, came after this step.

WCC Middle East program executive Carla Khijoyan visited Iraq from December 11–16, 2023, to reaffirm the commitment.

One of the main objectives of the visit was to talk with the government and church leaders to plan the next stage of cooperation, in particular on freedom of religion and belief in Iraq.

In cities such as Baghdad, Erbil, Dehuk, and Mosul, important meetings discussed the well-being of the Christian community. The need for security, economic rights, and the formation of a dignified future for Iraq's young generation were topics of deep discussion.

His Holiness Mar Awa III and Patriarch Bahagia Sako took part in the conversation. They stressed that the Christian community faces many problems and that ecumenical relations must be strengthened to resolve them.

The families who returned to the Nineveh Plains showed signs of hope, and with the support of the church's diaconal mission on the front lines, they managed to rebuild their lives and communities. The church not only makes physical improvements but also provides spiritual, social, and psychological support.

In addition, the delegation met with the Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi House of Representatives, H. E. Mohsen Mandalawi. Mohsen Mandalawi affirmed the government's commitment to inclusive legislation that ensures equality and justice for all citizens. H. E. Kassem al-Araji, national security adviser, praised the WCC's efforts to improve social cohesion and committed to continuing cooperation to achieve inclusive citizenship.

In addition, a visit to the Directorate of Educational Curricula in Erbil demonstrated progress in educational reform; the new curriculum demonstrated Iraq's diverse heritage. The Iraqi principles of respect, solidarity, and brotherhood were further underlined when meeting with tribal leaders.

The WCC has a strategic objective to continue its impactful work in the region with a focus on creating inclusive peace, justice, and citizenship until 2024. It is hoped that these concrete actions will result in major improvements for Iraqi society.

News Sources: https://www.oikoumene.org/news/wcc-continues-to-promote-inclusive-citizenship-in-iraq