Continuing: Physical Distance – Social Closeness – International Solidarity

Continuing: Physical Distance – Social Closeness – International Solidarity
Dear friends and supporters of HAUKARI e.V.,

What a year!!!! Whether in Germany or Iraq, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives. Some of us have lost loved ones; we send them comfort and strength. Some have fallen ill themselves; we wish them patience and energy in their recovery. Many have fallen into economic difficulties due to the loss of jobs and income. The restriction of social contacts, mobility and cultural life has changed our everyday lives. The planning security to which we are so accustomed has disappeared.

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Iraq, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the economic, political and humanitarian crisis that has been ongoing for years. The economic crisis throughout Iraq caused by the massive drop in the price of oil and ongoing conflicts between the Iraqi government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil are leading to a reduction in remittances from the Iraqi state budget to the Kurdistan Region, as was the case in 2017/2018. For months, wages in the public sector have not been paid at all or only partially. Hardship, a lack of prospects and anger among the population are mixed with scepticism towards the COVID-19-related distancing and hygiene rules.

In December, there were massive protests – particularly in the province of Sulaimania – against unpaid wages, corruption and mismanagement; violent clashes resulted in at least eleven deaths and numerous injuries. Freedom of the press and fundamental rights were further restricted. Women’s counselling centres have recorded a massive increase in domestic violence. And in the midst of the pandemic, the Iraqi government is pushing for internally displaced people to return to their homes and is cancelling support for refugee camps.

In this dramatic situation, HAUKARI and the KHANZAD women’s centre in Sulaimania are committed to maintaining protection and counselling structures for women in violent situations in refugee camps and host communities. KHANZAD offers crisis counselling by telephone, distributes educational videos on the connection between COVID-19 and domestic violence, provides care for women in prisons and shelters and strengthens contact points and family counselling centres of the State Directorate for Combating Violence against Women (DCVAW) through protective clothing and logistical support.

The HAUKARI team in the Germian region supports the municipal administration, local hospitals and civil society-government civil defence committees in awareness-raising and prevention measures against the spread of COVID-19 and creates spaces for social exchange and solidarity among young people, artists and Anfal survivors by continuing educational measures, cultural events and seminars. To mark the global 16 Days of Action against Violence against Women, the HAUKARI team Germian and KHANZAD jointly organised outdoor exhibitions and discussions lasting several days in Kalar and Kifri.
We are deeply impressed by the perseverance of our local partners and colleagues and their commitment in the midst of the escalating crisis situation. Enclosed you will find three links to educational videos from the HAUKARI team Germian:

https://youtu.be/O2HibQpSX

In June this year, we wanted to celebrate the 25th birthday of HAUKARI e.V. with an event and party in Berlin. The coronavirus has also thwarted this plan. We only want to set a new date when it is foreseeable that we can also invite guests from Kurdistan and Iraq. We hope that we can all stay healthy together and celebrate 25+1 next year.

We would like to thank all donors, cooperation partners and funding institutions for their support in 2020 and hope that we and our local partners can continue to count on you.

We wish you all – despite the difficult times – a peaceful time over the holidays and the turn of the year!