An ICLC webinar on January 10, 2024 at 12 pm (noon) ET
In 2023, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) passed a Resolution recognizing the genocides which have been perpetrated against the Kurdish communities in Iraq. The Resolution specifically declared the “atrocities perpetrated by the Iraq government of Saddam Hussein and by ISIS (Da’esh) against the Kurds constituted genocide and crimes against humanity.” The Resolution further calls upon the international community to create pathways for accountability and justice to stop further impunity for the crimes which have been committed. This webinar will introduce audience members to the events which took place in Iraq and will focus on two specific genocides, Anfal and Halabja. The speakers will also discuss the impact the crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity have today on Kurdish people in Iraq.
Register to attend this webinar here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkduCoqzIoGdEqvMisktMCDShHXMSFoITn
Moderator:
Jody Prestia, ICLC Steering Group Advisor
Speakers:
Awring Shaways is the founder of KG Lobby Center, Shaways has been instrumental in raising awareness about the plight of the Kurdish people and advocating for their rights. As KG Lobby Center they have tirelessly fought for the acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against the Kurdish people and have worked to ensure that their history and suffering are not forgotten. She is submitted a resolution for recognition of Kurdish Genocide which was accepted by 97.5% of the votes by the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with women organizations, specifically Kurdish women and refugees, showcasing her commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Through her efforts, she helped amplify the voices of marginalized women and worked towards creating a more inclusive society. With an unwavering belief in the power of advocacy and activism, and lobbying, Shaways remains a driving force in the quest for justice and equality. Their work serves as a beacon of hope and reminds us of the importance of standing up for the rights of marginalized communities.
Michael A. Newton is an expert on terrorism, accountability, transnational justice and conduct of hostilities issues. Over the course of his career, he has published more than 90 books, articles, op-eds and book chapters. He has been an expert witness in terrorism related trials both in domestic courts and at the International Court of Justice. Professor Newton is admitted to the Counsel List of the International Criminal Court, where he helped prepare the appeal of Jean-Pierre Bemba and has participated in oral arguments at the Appeals Chamber in other cases. At Vanderbilt, he developed and teaches the innovative International Law Practice Lab, which provides expert assistance to judges, lawyers, legislatures, governments and policy makers around the world, and directs the International Legal Studies Program. Newton is the editor of The United States Department of Defense Law of War Manual: Commentary and Critique (Cambridge University Press). He led the team-teaching international law to the first group of Iraqis who began to think about accountability mechanisms and a constitutional structure. He later shuttled back and forth to Baghdad assisting international and Iraqi lawyers prosecuting cases before the Iraqi High Tribunal while serving as the International Law Adviser to the Judicial Chambers from 2006 to 2008. He began assisting Iraqi officials, victims and civil society groups on legal issues associated with documentation and investigation of crimes committed by Da’esh on Iraqi soil days after Yazidi victims fled towards Mount Sinjar. Newton remains active in providing assistance to the Iraqi judiciary in Da’esh related prosecutions.
Sylvia Ronnau is currently the Legal Director at KG Lobby Center where she helped obtain recognition of the Kurdish genocides at the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Before that, she was the Legal Director at Genocide Watch where she managed myriad legal associates and managed various projects, including a project to sue Facebook in various jurisdictions for promoting hate speech against the Rohingya. For 16 years, she worked as an attorney at myriad law firms in various areas of the law, including criminal, immigration, civil rights, among others. With her legal training, she has helped numerous individuals obtain asylum in the United States and aided women subject to sex trafficking, domestic violence, and gender discrimination. She graduated cum laude with her B.A. in International Relations at Stanford University where she also obtained an M.A. in Sociology. She received her law degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. During law school, she acted as the Managing Editor of the Santa Clara Journal of International Law where she published her law review article, “The International Criminal Court’s Quest to Protect Rape Victims of Armed Conflict: Anonymity as the Solution” 2 Santa Clara J. Int’l L. 138 (2004).
This webinar is free and open to all. Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkduCoqzIoGdEqvMisktMCDShHXMSFoITn
Photo Credit: Rudaw: https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/14042023
International Criminal Law Committee 