For the next 2 days the workshop will open a discussion about laws and regulation in Iraq that concerns freedom of speech and censorship laws. Bloggers will work together to discuss new media applications and technologies and how they can use it to share information and building each other’s blogging networks and capabilities. The conference in held by help of IMS and HR institutes to develop new media in Iraq.

Several Arab and Iraqi bloggers had sent a video message that will be shared during the lectures, and several speakers will discuss media, freedom of speech and blogging.

wameeth@gmail.com

Kurdish youth across the United States and from all over the world gathered in Washington, DC from January 6-8, 2012 to attend the highly anticipated third annual Kurdish Youth Festival. The three-day event offered fun and educational programs on the Kurdish heritage, and also utilized the advantages of holding the event in the country’s capital by offering attendees a guided tour through Washington, DC to learn about the history of the United States. Nearly two thousand attended the festival while many others were able to participate in the event online through Twitter and the event’s live stream. The festival provided a unique networking opportunity and also served as a platform for young Kurds to exchange their ideas and experiences. The three-day event built upon a shared vision to unite the dispersed Kurdish populations in the U.S. and around the world.

In the evening of the first day, the Kurdish Youth Festival in DC officially commenced with a film screening and film competition. The screening featured the film, Bekas, by Kurdish Oscar Student Academy Award winner Karzan Kader, about two young homeless boys who want to escape the misery of their war-torn Kurdish homeland under Saddam Hussein’s occupation. The film received tremendously positive feedback with many audience members breaking out in both tears and laughter.

Following the feature film screening, the film competition began showcasing short films from young up-and-coming filmmakers including Mr. Bedirhan Sakci, Ms. Serhat Karaaslan, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Chetin, Mr. Keywan Karimi, and Mr. Sarbast Raza Garmiany. The short film that won first prize was A Day in the North by Kurdish director Mr. Juma Hamdo. The film was a heart-wrenching story about the experiences of Kurdish women living in Syria’s Kurdistan region.

Festival hosts, Mr. Minhaj Akreyi and Ms. Sarah Yousif, later presented two young Kurdish students with scholarship awards for their essay submissions on how to distinguish between and reconcile their Kurdish and American identities in daily life. The submissions by Mr. Afsheen Sharifzadeh and Ms. Rezzan Hekmat were chosen among twenty-five others. They were each awarded $1000.00 to foster their educational goals.

The first night of the festival concluded with an interactive and educational trivia game hosted by KurdSat television’s Ms. Lawen Azad. Questions covered everything from Kurdish history to Kurdish music. Selected participants in opposing teams were asked to identify lyrics to Kurdish music or to identify Kurdish notables based on the hints presented to them. The festival organizers also provided a live video stream for online participants and responded to their questions and comments via Twitter and Facebook. Kurds from Australia, Europe, Kurdistan, and all over the United States who wanted to attend this event but could not travel to Washington, DC were able to participate remotely.

The morning of January 7^th opened with a series of panels and round-table discussions designed to engage attendees in constructive discussions and debates about Kurdish social issues. The first panel featured the renowned American linguist and cataloguer of Middle Eastern languages, Dr. Michael L. Chyet, Assistant Director of The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona, Mr. Christian Sinclair and Kurdistan Regional Government Representative, Mr. Amanj Yarwaessi. The panel focused on whether a unified language for the two major Kurdish dialects is practical.

The next two panels were specifically focused on Kurdish social issues. These panels included a discussion on “Generational Gap” and “Community Concerns” and featured Dr. Kajal Rahmani from Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Civilization, Kurdish National Congress of North America president Dr. Kamal Artin, and Kurdish American Youth Organization LA Chapter president, Mr. Ranj Zuhdi. Audience members were fully engaged in these discussions as they split up into different groups and discussed various issues amongst themselves to present to the entire audience.

Discussions focused on everything from taboos imposed on Kurdish women to the various obstacles preventing unity among Kurdish community members. Despite the vast number of issues being addressed, common conclusions on how to resolve these issues were reached by attendees.

The day’s program ended with a final panel entitled, “From the Mountains to Twitter,” which included a series of presentations on activism through social networking. The main idea that inspired the panel is the community outreach that has been made possible through various online social media tools. Many festival attendees said they were at the event after hearing about it through Twitter or Facebook. Furthermore, many participated in the festival remotely through these online mediums. The panel included young Kurdish activists, Ms. Aida Aliyeva, Mr. Emrah Usar, Mr. Sirwan Kajjo, and Mr. Karwan Zebari. The panel concluded with spoken word poet, Ms. Cklara Moradian, who presented her piece, “Art is Resistance.” Ms. Moradian’s words were incredibly moving and the message she conveyed left a lasting impression on both audience members and many of those watching the festival online.

After a break in the evening, the night began with a monodrama performance by Mr. Sarkaut Taro. His creative performance addressed controversial social issues. Following his performance, a lengthy discussion began between Mr. Taro and audience members about the various issues he brought to light through his performance. After the discussion, Ms. Akhtar Waise recited a beautiful poem about Kurdistan, which led to a standing ovation.

Following the performances, the festival’s annual art auction showcased various pieces inspired by Kurdish heritage and culture. Artwork by Kurdish artists, Mr. Lukman Ahmed, Mr. Bekir Orhan, and Mr. Ayad Almissouri, were highly appreciated by attendees as evident by the high bids placed on each item. The night ended with the festival’s annual “Kurds Got Talent” contest where young Kurdish artists from a variety of talents — including music, comedy, and poetry — were able to perform for the audience. Similar to previous years, the competition featured judges that would offer feedback and ratings to each of the participants. Audience members were also allowed to vote for their favorite performance. Kae Kurd’s comedic performance shook the hall with laughter. Kae Kurd, who traveled all the way from London to attend the festival, walked away with a round-trip ticket to Kurdistan!

The third and final day of the festival, January 8^th, was different from previous festivals. This year, festival attendees were offered a chance to learn more about American history and heritage with a tour of Washington, DC. Buses picked up attendees and offered them a view of the nation’s capital before stopping at the White House for pictures. Attendees were later taken to the American History Museum, also described as the most popular section of the Smithsonian, to learn about the history of the country. Buses also took attendees to the National Mall, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. In addition, attendees were greeted and offered a special tour of the offices of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Representation in the US.

After returning to the hotel, attendees got ready for the grand finale at the Waterford Receptions in Springfield, Virginia for a night of Kurdish music and dancing. Many attendees dressed in their most beautiful traditional Kurdish clothing from the various regions of Kurdistan.

At the start of the grand finale, the festival’s sponsors including Asiacell, the first mobile telecommunications company in Iraq and the festival’s first ever diamond level sponsor, Senk Group (a gold sponsor), Pinnacle Web Services (a silver sponsor), and (bronze sponsors) Kurdish National Congress of North America, Kurdish Youth of America-KYA, Kurdish Youth Club-KYC, Kurdish American Youth Organization-KAYO, American Kurdish Council-AKC, Millennium Brokerage Firm, and Green Kurdistan were thanked for their generous donations and contributions.

The night began with a tribute speech to the late Kurdish singer Dler, by his sister Sarah Yousif.  The night continued with a performance by the renowned Kurdish dengbej performer, Delil Dilanar. Performances by famous Kurdish singers Rekesh Seyrani and Emir Hesen prompted dancing by the party’s attendees. The distinguished musical guests created a vibrant environment in the grand finale that could not have been a more suitable conclusion to such a successful three days.

Visit the official website of the Kurdish Youth Festival for more information on past festivals as well as upcoming festivals.

The commemoration was filled with formative and heated discussions with contents ranging from academic, ethnic and religious perspectives.

Among the contributors was Laween Atroshi, a 22 year old British Kurd and Peace ambassador. Here he discusses the successful and applause worthy developments the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq has made thus far in its running. Laween raises points such as our strong education system, and the legal laws implemented within the region which condemn honour crimes and honour killings as well as other acts of human injustice.

He also mentions and makes a request for the UK Labour Party to consider Kurdistan’s cause and struggle for independence and the not so long-ago history of our Halabja genocide.

Laween Atroshi on Kurdistan’s Rights & Development

]]> http://www.mideastyouth.com/2011/12/29/kurds-human-rights-talk-uk/feed/ 0 House of Lords,Human Rights Commemoration,Kurdish Youth,Kurdistan,Kurds,london,UK Human Rights Day 2011 was warmly welcomed in London's House of Lords where a board of delegates came together from across Europe in discussion and reflection of the developments and progress made within the global community on the agenda of human right... Human Rights Day 2011 was warmly welcomed in London's House of Lords where a board of delegates came together from across Europe in discussion and reflection of the developments and progress made within the global community on the agenda of human rights. The commemoration was filled with formative and heated discussions with contents ranging from academic, ethnic and religious perspectives. Among the contributors was Laween Atroshi, a 22 year old British Kurd and Peace ambassador. Here he discusses the successful and applause worthy developments the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq has made thus far in its running. Laween raises points such as our strong education system, and the legal laws implemented within the region which condemn honour crimes and honour killings as well as other acts of human injustice. He also mentions and makes a request for the UK Labour Party to consider Kurdistan's cause and struggle for independence and the not so long-ago history of our Halabja genocide. Laween Atroshi on Kurdistan's Rights & Development Mideast Youth no http://www.mideastyouth.com/2011/12/22/program-of-activities-in-bethlehem-area/ http://www.mideastyouth.com/2011/12/22/program-of-activities-in-bethlehem-area/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:25:25 +0000 Mazin Qumsiyeh (Palestine) http://www.mideastyouth.com/?p=14365 Below is a program of selected activities in the Bethlehem area starting tomorrow and over the Holidays (your participation if around would be appreciated). I also included a link to the best and most detailed account of the colonial destruction in the Bethlehem area. The district of Bethlehem was burdened with over 45,000 refugees denied their inalienable rights to return to their homes and lands from which they were removed in 1948. Israeli colonial settlement activity since 1967 meant that 180,000 Bethlehemites have access to only 13% of the original district size. And since 2002, Jerusalem was isolated from Bethlehem which resulted in the destruction of the economy of both metropolitan areas for their native people. Contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel continues to expand colonial settlements and has recently approved thousands of Jewish only homes to be built on Palestinian lands of Bethlehem.

We native Christian and Muslim Palestinians remember that Jesus, the Aramaic speaking Palestinian born in this town spoke truth to powers and asked us to be a “light unto the world”. Join us in working for Peace and Justice this Christmas and the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ALL

Cartoons for Christmas showing what Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) are thinking about -
From the PLO:

From ARIJ:

Data/Report on Bethlehem geopolitical status.

If you still want to make a year-end donation, I encourage you to do so to one of the many deserving Palestinian Charities in Palestine or to groups that do good work for Palestine abroad and have presence in the streets of your country (not ones that merely hold conventions).

PROGRAM

Friday 23/12/2011
18:00 – 21:00 Shepherds’ Nights Festival, Greek Catholic School, Beit Sahour (include Wajd Musical Band –Tunes for Peace Group, Baqoun Troupe for Palestinian Popular Heritage, and more)

Saturday Dec 24:
8:00 Orientation for Internationals about the advocacy work (Palestinian Center for Rapprochement)
10:00 Nativity Square – Christmas Card Distributtion to Tourist
16:00 – 20:00 Shepherds’ Nights Festival, Greek Catholic School (include Keefak Hey Band, Roni Rock, Children Show & Gifts, Sheibat Band – Rock and Roll)

This idea has drawn my attention, through it’s ease, simplicity and in the same time creativity in which it gives each person the space to be creative in his own way, that is; you choose the theme, idea and place of your video, and when and what to comment, and after that, a documentary will be made, featuring videos collected about this day from all countries of the world.

One Day On Earth is a 3 years old idea, being first thought of and planned in early 2008, and executed for the first time in 10.10.10, and it was a total success; videos from all countries of the globe (192 countries, just imagine) were collected and viewed, including videos from war-torn countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and the famine-savaged Africa.

This year, everyone is looking forward to this day to implement the idea he/she is thinking of, and to show the whole world how his/her country is on this day, making this day of 11.11.11, truly, one of a kind.

Registering for this event can done through the following link:  www.onedayonearth.org

By those young men and women, Baghdad Peace Festival was created, planned and executed in the mere period of 20 days of planning, and under the wings of Iraqi Alamal Association (IAA) a non-profit organization, and under very limited budgeting, they made the impossible come true, and I’m proud to be one of them; for they have made a name for themselves; Shbab Alamal (The Youth of Hope), and through live music by a young guitarist and Oud artist, rap songs and poems about peace, a theater play that shows the opinion of the youth about the current political situation and face-paints, children plays and much more; they made a smile draw in the faces of children, made a mother so proud of her daughter that she was a part of this, made a father so innocently remake his mind about the future of the war-torn Iraq, made an old man jealous that he would have been with them in spite of the grey hair on his head, but, little did they know, we will fill the space; because we are them!

A success is a short word for the description of this amazing monument, a shrine for all the pilgrims of peace in this land, despite all the darkness that -tries to- surround Baghdad, yet again, the Iraqi rose to the occasion, and made the impossible come true!

A youth-led coalition from various backgrounds have come together to form this year’s event coordinating committee. This group of young Kurdish men and women are determined to make the third Kurdish youth festival an enriching experience with a profoundly positive impact on the attendees.

I am pleased to announce the launch of our new website that contains all details of this event.

New KYF Website

Watch this video to get a glimpse of what you can expect (and more!) from this event:

Did you know the Kurdish Youth Festival is funded entirely by the generous donations of sponsors and guests? If you are interested in becoming a donor or a sponsor, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Such statements only highlight the importance of grassroots campaigns that continue to speak out about the plight of minorities in Iran. The “Can You Solve This?” campaign has sent over 1,700 letters to top European leaders, including Secretary-General of the UN, Ban-Ki Moon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, and German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Guido Westerwelle.  Tireless campaign activists and media attention from Mashable and more have helped bring the message of the denial of education in Iran to thousands more. “Can You Solve This?” is gearing up to launch globally, after having successfully stickered and QR coded many German cities. With the coordinated global efforts of grassroots activists around the world, Catherine Ashton won’t be the only top official to speak out against the persecution of the Baha’i community and the global problem of the denial of education that we can all help solve.

To bring the campaign to your city, or to find events happening locally, email us at hello@can-you-solve-this.org.

[Originally posted at bahairights.org]

Can You Solve This? is a grassroots campaign with a mission to raise global awareness about the systematic denial of education that the Iranian government uses as a tool of persecution towards various groups of students. Those affected by this systematic persecution include members of the Baha’i Faith, human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, student activists, amongst other ethnic and religious minorities. The catalyst to this campaign was the recent incident in which the Iranian government, in a concentrated effort to persecute the Baha’is, shut down the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education and arrested dozens of its staff. Apart from frequent house raids, arrests and violence, this is another means of keeping the Baha’i community marginalized and suffocated in Iran.

The campaign, whose official website may be found at can-you-solve-this.org, employs QR codes in a creative and far-reaching fashion to attract people’s interest and enable them to take the appropriate action against Iran’s discriminating policies against innocent students. On the website, visitors are able to send a pre-drafted message to political representatives requesting their support in addressing this problem.

QR codes are used by the campaign as a strategy to bridge offline content with online content, so that people who would normally not be exposed to these messages would have the chance to be informed about the topic of education rights in Iran. The code is distributed internationally by volunteers and can be found anywhere from public transportation, shirts, stickers, outdoor banners or car magnets, amongst many other places that are likely to get a person’s attention. Once someone scans the QR code with their phone, the user is taken to a campaign site where they can watch the video and proceed with sending letters to the relevant authorities regarding this issue.

Human rights defenders everywhere are encouraged to publicize the campaign within their own networks and publications to help increase the potential of this movement.

For more information, please visit us at can-you-solve-this.org and do not hesitate to get in touch.

Here are some photos of the event in Berlin so far:

The Struggle video network featured Al-Walaja and part of my talk in March
about the town.

Action 2: Marwa was shot in the head 10 years ago. She is now 20 and a university student. However, her original injury has led to severe dental
problems that her family cannot afford. Some friends in Palestine have arranged for a dentist to begin work with some money we’ve already raised, but the work will not be finished until we raise another $4000. If anyone is interested in helping Marwa you can send a contribution to the Hartford Catholic Worker with Marwa noted on the memo line. See here and here.

Action 3: This August break is for Members of Congress to be at home, meeting with constituents to hear about our concerns. . Instead, 81
Representatives–nearly 20% of the House–are hightailing off to Israel on an all-expense-paid junket organized by an affiliate of the American Israel
Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Israel’s goal there is to lobby the Representatives to continue sending the Israeli military $30 billion of our
tax money — the amount pledged for these 10 years (2009-2018). That means sending money we won’t have for jobs and healthcare to buy weapons for Israel to perpetuate its illegal military occupation and apartheid policies toward Palestinians. It’s time to “name and shame” these Members of Congress
who put more weapons for Israel ahead of their own constituents’ economic rights. We need you to take action today.

Also similar actions called by Code Pink.

See also “Israel Lobby Dominates Congress, Media Covers it Up” by Alison Weir, August 11, 2011.

Action 4: Roadmap to Apartheid, a documentary film examining the apartheid analogy is near completion! Narrated by Alice Walker, Roadmap to Apartheid is promising to be the definitive documentary that compares and contrasts South African apartheid with Israeli policies and practices. It will be a
very important and useful tool for BDS organizing worldwide. Finishing funds are lacking to take it through the home stretch. Learn about the current fundraising campaign here:

Inspiring Video on a group of activists who rode bicycles from London to visit with us in Palestine.

In Tumult, New Hope for Palestinian Cause

How Palestinian Authority’s UN “statehood” bid endangers Palestinian rights.

Come visit us in Palestine this October for the Olive Harvest season and this Christmas for a week of activities. Watch for more details next blog.

Meantime, act, act, act.

Mazin Qumsiyeh, PhD
A Bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home