Angelina Jolie´s visit to Iraq
Saira Rizwan
February 07, 2008
Reportedly, Angelina Jolie is visiting Iraq to see in person the conditions of the Iraqi refugees, displaced victims of war including innocent Iraqi children and meet with the local high ranking govt. officials, US civil and military officials in Iraq and NGO´s to draw their attention to help improve plight of distressed Iraqis.
The six million Iraqi refugees have been forced to live in neighboring countries that include Syria, Jordan and Egypt. These refugees are reportedly unable to work in those countries. They are facing economic and social victimization. They have been forced to live in slum like situations with no electricity, running water and sanitation facilities. In most cases, they have to tread through uneven feces and urine filled pathways, daily.
The international media reports show that the children, especially minor girls are worst affected, who due to different reasons, including economic compulsions of the family are being forced into prostitution, working in inhuman work environments and prohibited industry.
In terms of internally displaced Iraqis´, two million Iraqis have lost their homes due to sectarian war. The sectarian squatter´s i.e. Sunnis unlawfully occupying Shia homes in Sunni districts and vice a versa. Most of the Iraqi homes have been destroyed due to the ongoing war since 2003. The absence of basic utilities, health care, sanitation and education is also making life difficult for the internally displaced Iraqis. The uncertain security situation is also adding to the complications in Iraq.
Most people think Angelina´s visit will raise controversies. The mainstream media has rejected this apprehension. In view of Angelina´s interview to CNN, it is opined that her visit will speed up displaced Iraqis help process by drawing attention on humanitarian issues before Iraqi PM, Minister for displaced Iraqis and US general and other high-ranking American officials.
The independent observers have also shown concerns regarding internal displacement of Iraqis, refugees and broader effects of Iraqi instability within the region and rest of the world. These Iraqis for no fault of their own will be left emotionally scarred for life and lack of education facilities for them will adversely affect their quality of life and coming generations.
As the goodwill UN ambassador, Angelina Jolie´s visit to Iraq can help UNHCR find a way forward to help Iraqi refugee children, girls forced into prostitution and internally displaced hundreds and thousands of children to get education, protection and healthcare. It is also hoped that steps are taken to save boys ending up as child soldiers in line with other war torn continents and conflict zones.
Finally, we appreciate what Angelina is doing and we hope that her visit to Iraq helps her find answers to serious questions that are the root causes of complex problems faced by displaced Iraqis and refugees. Similarly, it is expected that the Iraqi government and American officials will take necessary steps to facilitate refugees and displaced Iraqis. The permanent solution to their fate lies in the end of Iraq occupation. If only it is realized.
The six million Iraqi refugees have been forced to live in neighboring countries that include Syria, Jordan and Egypt. These refugees are reportedly unable to work in those countries. They are facing economic and social victimization. They have been forced to live in slum like situations with no electricity, running water and sanitation facilities. In most cases, they have to tread through uneven feces and urine filled pathways, daily.
The international media reports show that the children, especially minor girls are worst affected, who due to different reasons, including economic compulsions of the family are being forced into prostitution, working in inhuman work environments and prohibited industry.
In terms of internally displaced Iraqis´, two million Iraqis have lost their homes due to sectarian war. The sectarian squatter´s i.e. Sunnis unlawfully occupying Shia homes in Sunni districts and vice a versa. Most of the Iraqi homes have been destroyed due to the ongoing war since 2003. The absence of basic utilities, health care, sanitation and education is also making life difficult for the internally displaced Iraqis. The uncertain security situation is also adding to the complications in Iraq.
Most people think Angelina´s visit will raise controversies. The mainstream media has rejected this apprehension. In view of Angelina´s interview to CNN, it is opined that her visit will speed up displaced Iraqis help process by drawing attention on humanitarian issues before Iraqi PM, Minister for displaced Iraqis and US general and other high-ranking American officials.
The independent observers have also shown concerns regarding internal displacement of Iraqis, refugees and broader effects of Iraqi instability within the region and rest of the world. These Iraqis for no fault of their own will be left emotionally scarred for life and lack of education facilities for them will adversely affect their quality of life and coming generations.
As the goodwill UN ambassador, Angelina Jolie´s visit to Iraq can help UNHCR find a way forward to help Iraqi refugee children, girls forced into prostitution and internally displaced hundreds and thousands of children to get education, protection and healthcare. It is also hoped that steps are taken to save boys ending up as child soldiers in line with other war torn continents and conflict zones.
Finally, we appreciate what Angelina is doing and we hope that her visit to Iraq helps her find answers to serious questions that are the root causes of complex problems faced by displaced Iraqis and refugees. Similarly, it is expected that the Iraqi government and American officials will take necessary steps to facilitate refugees and displaced Iraqis. The permanent solution to their fate lies in the end of Iraq occupation. If only it is realized.