The World Council of Churches has denounced the use of “excessive violence” by security forces in Iraq against anti-government protestors following the deaths of hundreds over the past month.
Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, addressed the escalating violence in the nation in comments published this week.
“The World Council of Churches, which is working to promote social cohesion in Iraq through inter-religious cooperation among its many different religious communities, rejects and denounces the use by security forces of excessive violence against protestors, which has resulted in the deaths and injuries of many,” he said. “Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights of all human beings.”
He called for the voices of the Iraqi people to be respected and said their demands for social justice, equality, and life in dignity were legitimate.
“Violence is not a solution, neither from the authorities nor the protestors.”
Tveit called on Iraq’s government, decision-makers and the people of Iraq to engage in dialogue in order to identify better ways of moving towards an inclusive society, respecting the equal rights of all people and providing the means for life in dignity.
“The continuous confrontations contribute to greater insecurity for all and prevent the building of trust within the society and nation,” Tveit said.
He urged people to prayer for the victims of violence and their families as well as for all people in Iraq and the nation’s political and religious leaders.
“May our Lord grant them the wisdom to address the challenges they are facing peacefully, and to move together towards reconstruction and a sustainable peace founded on justice and inclusion,” he said.
At least 13 people were reportedly killed in clashes with security forces on Monday and early Tuesday this week while more than 250 have died since protests first broke out in early October.
