Event: Congressional Briefing - Afghan Civil Society

Afghan Civil Society Perspectives: Congressional Briefing

Wednesday February 29, 2012 2pm - 4 pm
B-338 Rayburn – House Office Building

Rep. James McGovern and Rep. John Garamendi for Afghan Civil Society Perspectives with Afghan-made documentary short films, a live video conference with Afghans and expert testimony and roundtable discussion with Michael Sheridan, Director and Founder of Community Supported Film; Peter Lems, Program Director for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran at American Friends Service Committee and Lisa Schirch, Director of 3P Human Security. 

Please join us at today, Wednesday February 29 at 2pm for an open Congressional Briefing about Afghan Civil Society perspectives on future stability and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan. The event will feature a live video conference with Afghan NGO directors and filmmakers, a screening of a selection of the Afghan–made documentary shorts The Fruit of Our Labor, and a roundtable discussion with CommunitySupported Film, 3P Human Security, and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). 

The briefing coincides with the DC opening of AFSC’s Windows and Mirrors Afghan mural exhibit organized with religious members from the Faith Roundtable on Afghanistan.

The Fruit of Our Labor films allow viewers to witness reality through Afghan eyes, offering a deeper understanding of Afghanistan that is crucial for mapping a peaceful and stable path forward and avoiding another humanitarian crisis as US and NATO troops withdraw. The films are a collection of documentary shorts made by Afghans in a training provided by Community Supported Film in Kabul. The films convey the realities and challenges of daily life in Afghanistan and also highlight Afghan-led development initiatives. The Fruit of Our Labor identifies critical areas that need sustained technical and financial support from US and international organizations – such as maternal healthcare, and access to clean water, education, and employment.

Presenter Lisa Schirch will discuss her study:
“Designing a Comprehensive Peace Process for Afghanistan,” which provides evidence of the importance of including Afghan Civil Society in building a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.

Iraq delegation in Washington

February 3 - 10, 2012

3P hosted a delegation of four Iraqi civil society leaders in Washington to speak with various offices across the government, policy organizations and NGOs, as well as faith communities and other public audiences about what is happening in Iraq now following the withdrawal of US troops.

To read Delegate Profiles, click here. 

To read a Policy Brief on the role of Iraqi civil society in the post-US era, click here.

Institute For Policy Studies, meeting with Peace Action Group

Widespread insecurity, fear, lack of basic services and jobs continue to weigh heavily on Iraqi families. Meanwhile, Iraq struggles to establish a government that is legitimate, capable, and accountable to the needs of Iraqi people.With the US military presence ended, it is up to Iraqis themselves to ensure the

Open Society Foundation luncheon

government does not return to authoritarian rule. After losing so many Iraqi and American lives over the last 9 years, it is critical for the US to articulate clear and unequivocal support for genuine, democratic process in Iraq that ensures accountable governance, protection of human rights, and a robust civil society sector that allows citizens to directly shape the affairs that affect their lives.

Mennonite Central Committee conducted a survey of over 100 Iraqi NGO leaders that identifies the most pressing priorities of Iraqi civil society.

Click here to read the summary.

Iraqi Delegates with Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach, Director of Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office and John Filson, Program Manager of 3P Human Security.

DC-based peacebuilding and human rights organizations met for a conversation about Iraq's civil society sector and the key factors needed for lasting development and human security.

Forum on US Leadership After UNESCO

November 17, 2011

After UNESCO: Implications for U.S. Leadership

3P's Israeli-Palestinian Congressional Forum organized a November 17 briefing for 40 Congressional staff from both Republican and Democrat offices.  The forum discussed the October 31 UNESCO vote to grant the Palestinian PLO full membership.

This historic vote has led to a legislatively mandated cut-off of U.S. funding to UNESCO.  Possible future non-payments of U.S. financial contributions to other UN entities that admit Palestine as a member include agencies that represent important U.S. national interests.  Agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called into question the strategy of linking U.S. policy toward the PLO and its funding of the UN. 

Click here to read the report After UNESCO: Implications for U.S. Leadership

(From left to right): Nizar Farsakh, General Director, PLO General Delegation to the U.S.; Roee Ruttenberg, Independent Tel Aviv-based Israeli-American journalist; Amb. Mark P. Lagon, Former U.S. Amb. at Large to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Dept. of State, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs; Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen, Moderator, Center for Conflict Management; Amb. Nancy Soderberg, Former Deputy Asst. Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs; Jeffrey Kushan, Former Alternate Representative to the UN, Intellectual Property/Patents expert, Sidley Austin LLP.