ريَكخراوي ئاشيت وئازادي لةكوردستان
Peace and Freedom Organization in Kurdistan
منظمة السالم والحرية في كوردستان Press Release # 2 Erbil 9/9/2015 The freedom of expression in Iraq and Kurdistan region neither legally nor practically has reached the global standards. Despite the fact that there have been some legislative steps forward, there is no positive effect in practice. Coming ISIS and fight against terrorism have badly affected the condition of freedom of expression. Activists, journalists, and freedom fighters still face violations. The demonstrations in Bagdad and south of Iraq, as well as the problem of presidency in Kurdistan have showed that how the freedom of expression is restricted and violated. We have been witnesses of increasing the violations in different forms, which reflecting in hitting journalists, disrespecting activists, making problems for TV stations to broadcast their programs, and even arresting the activists and journalists. Even though the freedom protectors as individual and organization have been trying here and there to stop violations, the violations against activists still happening. To develop the capability of a group of freedom fighters who fight for freedom of expression in Iraq and Kurdistan, peace and freedom organization in Kurdistan (PFOK), peace generations network (PGN), and with help of Norwegian people aid (NPA) conduct a TOT session in Erbil. 35 activists participate in the session, which lasts for 5 days as a first step of the project (Promoting the freedom of association, expression and rights to information in Iraq and Kurdistan region), which will be continuing for 3 years. Sangar Youssif who is the representative of peace and freedom organization in Kurdistan and supervising the session talked about the project and session:“ The freedom of expression needs continuing efforts and group working. Hence, our project is a part of this effort and we try to