IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world. IDRF provides effective humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs, without discrimination, based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance, and social justice. In the past few years, IDRF Representatives in various cities across Canada have been providing tremendous assistance. They ensure that their … [Read more...]
Kabul, First Time ever Female Judge to High Court
KABUL, Afghanistan — For the first time in Afghanistan’s history, a female judge has been nominated to sit on the country’s highest court. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani nominated Anisa Rassouli to the High Council of the Supreme Court on Sunday in Kabul, according to government officials and local news reports. If confirmed by the country’s parliament, Rassouli would be the first woman to sit on the nine-member tribunal. Her nomination is expected to be submitted to Afghan lawmakers … [Read more...]
GLOBAL Meditation, in Support of The Yazidi People, NOV 15
The Yazidi People An Ancient Culture on the Move Art of Living and The Association of Human Values reached out to UNIFY yesterday to support a global meditation and action campaign led by Sri Sri Ravishankar. The campaign is focused on the Yazidi People who are going through a massive transition as ISIS threatens their complete extinction. Can enough of us come together as a spiritual force to meditate, create awareness, and take action to support of the Yazidi People? Sri Sri … [Read more...]
Revolution, Terrorism or Civil Disobedience gone Global?
In these modern times, our world seems to be walking backwards, repeating history over and over again, now including peaceful Canada. Not only has it been tested, but it has forever altered how we see ourselves as "peacekeeping" Canadians. No longer can we say that terrorism is something that happens "over there": in Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States. We are now a part of that unfortunate list. Is this a statement of truth or a reactionary opinion … [Read more...]
Iraq: Isis warns women to wear full veil or face punishment
Sunni insurgents issue guidelines in mosques on how clothes should be worn to prevent women 'from falling into vulgarity' 'Anyone who is not committed to this duty and is motivated by glamour will be subject to accountability.' Photograph: Ali Al-Saadi/AFP/Getty Images Islamic State (Isis), the al-Qaida offshoot that seized large swathes of northern Iraq last month, has warned women in the city of Mosul to wear full-face veils or risk severe punishment. The Sunni insurgents, who have … [Read more...]
Jihadists in Iraq – Girls undergo FGM ‘Fatwa’, ISIS
GENEVA: Jihadists in Iraq have ordered that all women between the ages of 11 and 46 must undergo female genital mutilation, which could affect up to four million women and girls in the war-ravaged country, a UN official said Thursday. The UN's second most senior official in Iraq, Jacqueline Badcock, said, "It is a fatwa (or religious edict) from ISIS, we learnt about it this morning. We have no precise numbers." The Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the … [Read more...]
Iraq, displaced girls/women face increasing risk of sexual violence, UN warns
An estimated 20,000 women and girls in Iraq are at an increased risk of sexual violence as a result of the mounting crisis in northern and western parts of the country, warned the United Nations today, urging immediate action to ensure their protection. “We must act immediately to ensure that women and girls are protected from sexual violence,” said Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Babatunde Osotimehin, stressing that the international community must not wait for cases to … [Read more...]
Hibaaq Osman – WOMAN of ACTION™
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this brave, envisioned activist and woman leader. Forging new paths for Arab Women, this powerhouse is the founder of KARAMA, RISING FOR DIGNITY; advancing women advancement, rights and human dignity in the Arab world. WOMAN of ACTION™ Hibaaq Osman "Democracy without women is hypocrisy" Hibaaq Osman is a global political strategist, with … [Read more...]
Women’s participation in Afghanistan elections 2013
Envoy affirms UN support for women's participation in Afghanistan elections The United Nations will support efforts to ensure women's involvement in next year's elections in Afghanistan, the top UN official in the country told women activists in the capital, Kabul, on Wednesday. Ján Kubiš, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was speaking during an annual event related to a landmark Security Council Resolution on women's participation in the political process in … [Read more...]
Children are Children – STOP this madness, Syria – Take Action!
First Syrian Refugees Land in Germany 'Is Hanover Near the Sea?' Some are injured, some are traumatized, but all have been forced to flee. A million Syrians have left their country because of the civil war. Germany has agreed to offer temporary asylum to 5,000, and the first refugees took off for Hanover on Wednesday. Departing from Beirut: Some 107 refugees from Syria flew from Lebanon to Germany on Wednesday. Sisters Noura and Nada lost most of their family in a rocket attack. Their … [Read more...]
SYRIA: A DISASTER FOR WOMEN
PETER BIRO/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE Syria: It's a problem, a political conundrum—and a disaster for women and children, who make up the bulk of the 2 million people who have fled the country. Even when they arrive in camps in neighboring countries, female refugees find little security; instead they're often subjected to rape and sexual harassment. Shelter, water, medical care—all are in short supply in the camps. Fortunately, many international nonprofits are helping bridge that gap. … [Read more...]
Can diplomacy work with Syria?
International responses to the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria continue to evolve rapidly. US plans for military intervention are on hold for now as various parties consider a Russian-led proposal-below to place Syria's chemical arsenal under international supervision. My team of Middle East, US and Russia analysts has been covering the Syrian crisis extensively, and we caution that while any non-military route is to be welcomed in principle - given the grave implications of … [Read more...]