WIDE-RANGING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PROMOTE NONVIOLENCE

The culture of nonviolence as an essential path to political, social and economic change was lauded in Iraq for a week in October with poetry readings, art exhibitions, television programs and films, theatrical productions, dances, operettas, sporting meets -- even a children’s operetta on peace -- and the symbolic release of doves and balloons over the skies of the war-weary country.

LaOnf- Some of Its Members

One of LaOnf’s founders, Ismaeel, explained the central vision of the coalition. “We look forward to being the major focal point in Iraq to defend our citizens’ right to use methods of non-violence as the means to struggle for democracy, equality and respect of human rights,” he said. “Our intent is to promote and [make] widespread the culture and knowledge of non-violence as an effective [means of] resistance.

LaOnf, Arabic for “No Violence,” is a coalition of Iraqi civil society organizations which is working to bring peace to Iraq through nonviolent actions that gain and amplify popular support among Iraqis of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. The coalition’s hopeful message is being acted on in all of Iraq’s18 governorates (provinces) during a “Week of Nonviolence,” October 11-16.

PRESS ADVISORY

For Immediate release: October 11, 2008

“WEEK OF NONVIOLENCE” IN IRAQ

WHAT:  The Week of Nonviolence in Iraq.   LaOnf (Arabic for “No Violence”) is a coalition of Iraqi civil groups and individuals who are taking part in actions across the country to ensure that the upcoming provincial elections are free of violence and that the voting is open to all Iraqis regardless of sectarian, ethnic or political affiliation or gender.