GOING AS A HUMAN SHIELD TO IRAQ
By Ruth Russell
Why am I going?
I am going because this war is morally wrong. I am ashamed that
Australians are being involved in this war and by going, I am saying
"Not in my name".
War is not the way a civilized society behaves. There is a way to
solve international conflict diplomatically through the United
Nations but we need the goodwill of our prime minister to find
peaceful solutions instead of excuses for war.
As Australians, we were made aware of the tragic consequences of one
bomb in Bali recently. Now our government is considering being a
party to dropping countless bombs all over Iraq with unimaginable,
horrendeous deaths, maiming and destruction . Is this what
Australians want? The Australian people are shouting out loudly NO
but to date are being ignored.
Australia will not gain long term security from participating in this war.
What do I hope to achieve ?
The idea of a human shield operates on two levels. One is the
symbolic action of saying that a war on Iraq is wrong and being
prepared to put my life on the line because I believe this. The
other level is the practical one of being with the Iraqi people to
say not all Australians agree with this war.
In Iraq, I hope to be with children in schools as I want to raise the
issue that another UN Resolution that Australia is signatory to is to
"protect children from the horrors of armed conflict". Why is
Australia doing nothing to protect Iraqi children?
What has lead me to take this action ?
I am a member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
and the Australian Democrats as well as a local Councillor. I want
to live in a civil society. I think you have to speak out when
something is wrong - stand up and be counted. If you don't, then you
are complicit by your silence. Australians are being silenced
through fear at the moment and this has to stop.
Details of my trip to Iraq
I leave Adelaide on Wednesday, 19th Feb at 6.30pm, flying to Amman,
Jordan to meet with other 'human shield' volunteers. We will then
travel by bus to Baghdad. I have to be totally self-sufficient and
pay all my own expenses. It is anticipated that we will be staying
with families, in schools or hospitals or camping near military
targets.
What can you do?
I am asking Australians to consider the ethics and morality of war
and standup and speak out that 'War is not the way a civilized
society behaves"
Contact Details for updates
If you would like to know more about my progress this can be arranged
through: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ruth Russell
Adelaide 13/2/2003
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