Closing conference of the “Partnership” project to strengthen the voice of civil society and partnership on human rights and the environment in Iraq
The Iraqi Women’s Skill Foundation participated in the *closing conference of the “Partnership” project*, implemented by Al-Masalla Organization and Jisr Ila, which focuses on strengthening the field of human rights and the environment in Iraq. The conference saw broad participation from civil society organizations and stakeholders.
The conference aimed to review the project’s entire journey, highlight its achievements and lessons learned, and consolidate its results within the framework of efforts to protect human rights and the environment in Iraq.
*Key Themes of the Closing Conference:*
1. Review of the “Partnership” Project: Vision, Types, and Achievements*
This included a comprehensive presentation of the project’s objectives, implementation phases, and key results achieved at the governorate level.
2. Presentation of the Small Grant Initiative
3. Youth Team Session: Experiences, Achievements, and Lessons Learned from Youth Participation*
Young participants in the project shared their success stories, the challenges of fieldwork, and how their participation contributed to changing the reality of their communities.
4. The Iraqi Marshes: Between Challenges and Opportunities: The Marshes Campaign
This session discussed the current state of the marshes, the most prominent environmental threats they face, and the opportunities available for their preservation through civil society initiatives and community partnerships.
The conference concluded with an open session for attendees’ questions and comments, followed by a review of the final recommendations, which will be submitted to relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of the project’s outcomes.
Ms. Balsam Falih, representative of the Skilled Iraqi Women Foundation, emphasized that “the Partnership Project has proven that linking human rights to the environment is not an option but a necessity. Women and children are the most affected by environmental degradation and water scarcity. Therefore, we will work to translate the conference recommendations into awareness programs targeting women in Muthanna to empower them to protect their environment and defend their environmental rights.”
The conference concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between civil society organizations and government entities to address environmental challenges and protect human rights in Iraq.
