ASIA/IRAQ- Attacks and discrimination against religious minorities are increasing

[Agenzia_Fides]

Baghdad (Agenzia Fides) - While the overall rate of violence decreases, the attacks, intimidation and discrimination against religious minorities, including Christians increases. This is why a specific “anti-discrimination” Law is urgently needed. This is what is said in a new report by the NGO “Minority Rights Group International”, which monitors the ethnic, cultural and religious minorities in the world.Despite progress as far as the internal stability is concerned “minorities feel excluded from public life in the new Iraq”, notes the report sent to Agenzia Fides. The Document confirms the phenomenon of emigration, which is decimating minority communities, to the point that many are likely to disappear altogether. It also underlines that, in a general climate of discrimination and marginalization, minorities in Iraq have difficulties in accessing employment, education and health care.Although violence in 2011 is slightly lower than in 2010 - notes the text - there have been several attacks on churches; an attack against a Turkmen political party; repeated kidnappings and murders of Mandaeans, Yazidis religious groups members. According to the Report, businesses for goods or services deemed “un-Islamic”, such as liquor stores continue to be targeted. The Report recalls the emblematic episode of the suffering of minorities: the suicide attack on a church in Baghdad in October 2010, which caused 56 deaths and more than 1,000 families to flee.In addition to the three majority groups (Muslims, Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds), communities of Armenians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, Circassians, Baha’is live in Iraq, and there are also small groups of Sabians, Mandaeans, Shabak, Turkmen, Yazidis, Jews and Palestinians. All these minorities represent less than 5 percent of Iraq’s population, but according to the UN agency for refugees (UNHCR), they constitute 20% of the refugees. ¶ (Agenzia Fides 09/12/2011)

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[Berachiah]

To attack religious minority is very bad. It is inhuman and against human right. You do not need an anti-discrimination law for that.

 

[JustaServant]

Aren’t we all glad Iraq was liberated?

 

[Sam_777]

That is expected when Islam takes power…

*(Quran 9:29):
“Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued”

**(Quran 47:4):
“Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; at length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah’s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost.”

*(Quran 9:5):
“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

 

[Kristin234]

It is very sad. I am half Assyrian and I still have family living in Iraq. I have heard so many stories where people are going to church and they are told they will be killed if they continue going. My dad’s aunt was once walking down the street and one man threatened to kill her if he ever saw her walking outside without wearing a hijab. :nope: