The Erbil Declaration, 2nd - 4th June 2016

Erbil Declaration - For the sake of Substantive Reform in IraqA forum on "Inclusive Citizenship amid Religious and Cultural Diversity" was held in Erbil on 2 to 4 June 2016. This was the fifth in a series of meetings. It brought together intellectuals and religious leaders from a wide range of Iraqi communities (including representatives from Kurdish communities, Yazidis and individuals from both Sunni and Shia communities) as well as from several European countries. The forum that resulted in this declaration was organized by the Peace Research Institute Oslo, the Hikmah Center for Dialogue and Cooperation, and the Center for the Study of Islam and the Middle East.The participants recommended the following:1 - That the solution for Iraq is to enhance the status of citizenship, so all have equal rights and duties under the rule of law.2 - That the well-ordered state should protect and guarantee for all Iraqis the fundamental freedoms of belief and expression.3. That authentic reconciliation should be promoted among the Iraqi people ensure the enhancement of mutual trust.4. That religious, educational, and media institutions should actively support inclusive citizenship, co-existence, and respect for others.5. That religious leaders should educate their congregations to respect our humanity and to reject all forms of extremism, hatred, and the use of terror.6. That after completely liberating the land of Iraq from Daesh, the Iraqi government should implement procedures for the establishment of peace and to prevent negative consequences from arising, such as cycles of revenge and sectarianism.7. That cultural institutions, civil society organizations, and universities should channel their energies towards the eradication of everything that would be detrimental to citizenship.8. That the capacities of young people should be given much attention, and support should be given to activities that ensure them with a life in dignity and an education that protects them from extremism.9. That the role of women as half of society should be reflected in their status as citizens, and they should have a substantive role in the development of society.