The Iraq Foundation would like to thank all the individuals, organizations, and sponsors who have made this year's fundraising event, "Helping Iraqi Children ... every step of the way," a success!

In case you missed the event, it's not too late to contribute! Since the successful completion of the event, we are thrilled to announce that donations are still coming in! We invite you to be a part of our efforts today.

Thank you again for supporting institutions throughout Iraq that care for mentally and physically disabled children and orphans. For more information and to help support the children of Iraq, please click the link below.

The Iraq Foundation broadcast a radio program via al-Iraqiya on April 1st, 2007 on sectarian induced displacement in Iraq. The program featured Alaa Jabouri, a human rights activist and journalist known for her work on women's rights. Jabouri discussed the plight of the internally displaced and externally displaced persons, the role of civil society in assisting such groups through monitoring and documenting their situation, and the short and long term economic and social consequences that displacement could result in, among other issues.

As part of our ongoing effort to spread cultural awareness on universal human rights principles and standards, the Iraq Foundation held a human rights education workshop in Basra, Iraq on the 8th and 9th of April for 20 civil society and governmental representatives, including representatives from the Ministry of Human Rights in Basra. The workshop focused on human rights principles and constitutional article 41. The workshop discussed international law and conventions during the first day. The workshop also presented the participants with a forum to discuss human rights violations within government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and propose solutions. The 2nd day focused on women rights and started with a presentation on personal status law 1959 followed by an overview of constitutional article 41 and its implications on women's rights in the country. In addition to lectures, the workshop included a number of simulation exercises to better explain the concepts and ideas introduced during the workshop.

The Iraq Democracy Watch annual report, completed last month, is now available in Arabic on our website. The report, entitled The Status of Rights and Freedoms in Iraq in 2006 , addresses violence against civilians in Iraq , individual rights and freedoms, the situation of Iraqi women, and the freedom of opinion and belief. To download a copy of the report in Arabic, please click the link below.

The Human Rights Defenders Network (HRDN) published its second newsletter on April 25, 2007, which discusses the human rights situation in Iraq. Formed in December 2006 by the Iraq Foundation, HRDN monitors, documents, and advocates for human rights in Iraq's governorates. These newsletters, published in Arabic, are available on our website.