Iraqi Youth Campaign for Peace

May 1, 2006

Seeking long-term change in Iraq, International Republican Institute’s (IRI) civil society program has increasingly focused on youth activities. Youth in Iraq, ages 16-30, are estimated to comprise nearly 60 percent of the population. Knowing that political change often takes decades, IRI sees hope in Iraq’s future within the country’s youth, and has partnered with youth organizations to reach out to them.

To provide IRI’s youth partners with a venue to carry out their activities, IRI funded a youth center in Baghdad. Most recently, the center has focused its activities on non-violence and peace education. During April and May 2006, the youth undertook a national campaign to end sectarian violence, calling for the government to enact a plan for national reconciliation.

The center’s anti-violence campaign included three art exhibitions displaying paintings and photographs by student artists that depict the tragedies of violence in Iraq. The first two exhibitions were held at the center’s office and the third at Baghdad University. During the exhibitions, student artists explained the ideas behind their work. The youth leaders also led discussions to educate attendees and encourage them to refrain from violence and sectarianism. At the end of each exhibition, center members led attendees in singing national Iraqi songs, to emphasize the spirit of being “Iraqi” and not identifying oneself by religion or ethnicity.

The events received government and media attention. Representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture attended the exhibitions and lauded the center’s leaders for their brave activism, encouraging them to continue their activities.

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