Print Page

SAMI: LATEST NEWS FROM KIRKUK

"For the first time since 2005, peacebuilder Sami Velioglu has reported some good news from Kirkuk. Sami returned to Iraq over three years ago, to set up the Humanitarian Liaison Centre, helping innocent people in the region caught up in the conflict. Sami reports that the situation there has improved. People are sick and tired of killing, he says, and though there's still looting and theft, there are fewer random killings and arbitrary arrests. A lot of factors have come together to create this change - better intelligence for the Coalition forces, for example - but also the fact that people can see that the Humanitarian Liaison Centre is there to help."

Carolyn Hayman OBE, Peace Direct Chief Executive.

HLC

Sami himself takes up the story.

“Since 2005 we have taken many cases of different natures, the majority of which were to do with wrongful arrests, property feud and ethnic issues. In addition we also set up programs and meetings with governmental and non-governmental organisations, to assist them with a broader international experience in civil matters.

In the past three years we have managed to resolve more than sixty five per cent of the cases we have received at the centre. Let us not forget that every case resolved means that we are one step closer to winning peace and restoring faith in the lives of those who had lost faith in humanity and peace.”

Sami estimates that it costs just £2.50 to investigate a case. As Sami himself says, “as far as we are concerned the amount is insignificant when compared to the price of restoring peace in our world, as well as saving lives. It is crucial to keep HLC open as it is a unique centre, and there are no others like it in Iraq.” The HLC operates free of racism and fundamentalism and it’s hoped will prove to be a model for peace resolution around the world.

If you would like more information about Sami or would like to support his work please call 020 7549 0285 or email chris@peacedirect.org

Download a PDF report about the Humanitarian Liaison Centre below.

Download PDF document
Sami