The panel discussion on Iraq is the second on a series of conversations organised by ERC in partnership with community associations and community leaders to create a platform for the Australian community to take part in discussions on the political, security, social and economic situation of conflict-affected countries in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa. The primary focus of these panel discussions is to offer an opportunity for a wide of range of Australian audience to learn about human rights, minority issues, religious freedom, political development, security situation and refugee rights in those conflict-affected countries that have a significant number of diasporas in Australia.

The expected outcome of the Iraq Now Panel Discussion is to raise awareness about human rights, minority issues, political developments and refugee rights in Iraq, and to propose recommendations to the Australian government and non-governmental stakeholders to take into consideration human rights issues in dealing with the Iraqi government and non-governmental actors. The panel discussion will be of interest to various stakeholders, including academics, researchers, human rights activists, refugee advocates, community development practitioners, humanitarian/relief agencies, community representatives and university students, who are working with the Iraqi communities in Australia or following socio-political and security developments in Iraq and the Middle East.

In the beginning of the session, each panellist and guest speaker will speak for 10 minutes about human rights, religious freedom, minority issues and political situation in Iraq followed by 60 minutes interactive discussions and Q&A.  Networking, drinks and light refreshments follow the panel discussion.

About Panellists

1. Dr. Ahmad Alrubaie, Senior Lecturer at UNSW
2. Ms Donna Mulhearn, Writer and Speaker
3. Mr. Bashar Hanna, Iraqi Community Leader
4. Ms Ilham Dawood, Womens' Rights Activist
5. Dr. Laith Barnouti, Iraqi Community Leader

Click here to view the profiles of the panelists.

About the Organisers

ERC is a Sydney-based non-government research and advocacy organisation that was founded by the Christian Brothers in 1996. ERC conducts rights-based programs including people-centred research, community education, community development and advocacy with Indigenous peoples (the first peoples), refugees and people seeking asylum (the last to arrive), and those facing climate change in the Pacific (the next to come). ERC’s aim is to raise awareness that leads
to social action and policy change in favour of the poor and excluded in Australia and internationally.

IAUGF is a non-for-profit professional social organisation founded back in 2008. IAUGF represents Iraqi Australian university graduates and helps them integrate into the Australian society as effective contributors and embody the values of this nation. IAUGF believes in unity and harmony irrespective or race, colour or religious affinity; achieved via various initiatives and activities that target, education, cultural diversity, sporting events and artistic expression.

For RSVP or more information, please contact ERC’s Research & Policy Coordinator, Farhad Arian at [email protected] or on 02 8762 4200.