Iraqi and Japanese children share drawings depicting wishes for peace (Kathlyn Stone)

  by Kathyn Stone - World News Trust

  Sept. 27, 2006 -- The Child Protection Centre of Baghdad and the Iraq Freedom Congress hosted a day of art and play for children in Baghdad, despite onging violence and serious security concerns and roads blocked for the trial of Saddam Hussein. The exhibition of childrens’ artwork was titled “Children First: Iraqi and Japanese childrens’ paintings for love and peace.”

Baghdad children enjoyed time together drawing and playing on Sept. 24 at an event hosted by the Child Protection Centre and the Iraq Freedom Congress. Along with the daily risk of violence, mental health professionals say Iraqi children suffer from depression and stress due to chronic fear and few opportunities to leave their homes for recreation. Photo provided by Iraq Freedom Congress.

   Japanese children of families that support the IFC goals of a unified, secular and democratic Iraq had sent paintings for the exhibition Sunday that focused on the themes of peace, war, and friendship. Accompanied by their parents or relatives, more than 120 children from different sects and neighborhoods across Baghdad came together to  play and share music, songs and dancing, free of sectarian division and conflict. "Their parents shed tears for what has been lost," according to an IFC observer.

  The children made pictures that expressed their appreciation to be sent to the Japanese children. Gifts to mark the beginning of a new school year were also distributed.

  An IFC spokseperson says the event shows that Iraqis desire peace among all their people and for their children but face the challenges of warring sectarian groups seeking power within the country.

  The peaceful event occurred on a day Iraqis consider of monumental import. According to Samir Adil, president of the Iraq Freedom Congress, September 24, 2002, was the day the U.S. administration decided to invade Iraq.




Children in Baghdad on Sept. 24 at an event hosted by the Child Protection Centre and Iraq Freedom Congress. Photo provided by Iraq Freedom Congress. More photos

 Challenges facing the children of Iraq:

• Earlier this year, the country's Ministry of Education reported that 64 children had been killed and 57 injured in 417 attacks on schools over a four-month period. The ministry also reported that more than 47 children had been kidnapped on their way to or from school during the same period. (Star Tribune, 9/27/06)
• Nearly 500 families have recently been evicted from public buildings and schools where they had sought shelter after their homes were destroyed in the war. The Ministry of Construction and Housing have ordered them out without offering substitute shelter. (Electronic Iraq, 9/27/06)

• Almost half of Iraq’s total population is under age 18. Even before the U.S. occupation, many children were highly vulnerable to disease and malnutrition. One in four children aged under five is chronically malnourished. One in eight die before their fifth birthday. (UNICEF)
• Acute malnutrition among young children in Iraq has nearly doubled since the United States led an invasion of the country 20 months ago, according to surveys by the United Nations, aid agencies and the interim Iraqi government. (Washington Post, 2004)
• Children of Iraq have been affected by wars three times in the last 20 years (1980s - eight year war with Iran; 1991Gulf War 1 including bombings and comprehensive UN sanctions; 2003 - U.S. invasion)