PÅ SVENSKA

THE OLOF PALME
INTERNATIONAL CENTER
SVEAVÄGEN 68 • POBOX 836
SE-101 36 STOCKHOLM • SWEDEN
PHONE +46 (0)8 - 677 57 70
FAX +46 (0)8 - 677 57 71
INFO@PALMECENTER.SE

Iraq Program

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The Palme Center is working with a new programme to strength civil society and democracy in Iraq. To contribute to active, democratic, and independent civil organisations in Iraq, Sida has decided to support a new programme directed by the Olof Palme International Center. The programmet has now been allocated SEK 35 million from Sida for 2005-2007. The project is also aimed at strengthening human rights in Iraq and contributing to initiatives for conflict resolution.

Through educational and informational activities, thousands of people in Iraq are to learn more about democracy, human rights, gender equality, dialogue and conflict resolution, which is to be measured by evaluations during the instruction programmes. This support is important for creating a dynamic and democratic society in Iraq, which has lived under oppression for so many years. The Palme Center believes that the Swedish experience can make important contributions, not least thanks to the participation of so many different organisations, both Swedish-Iraqi and Swedish.

The programme is aimed at developing the capacity and organisational development of civil organisations in Iraq, and comprehensive training programmes by organisations in Sweden which wish to participate in development cooperation in Iraq. The Swedish target groups are popular movements in Sweden as well as Swedish-Iraqi organisations. In Iraq the target groups are actors in civil society.

The Iraqi programme is made up of two parts, which will work together. One part is direct support to Swedish-Iraqi and Swedish civil organisations in Sweden, as well as Iraqi civil organisations in Iraq, which are working on development projects there. The other part is the development of a centre for civil society in Iraq, which will support capacity and organisational development among organisations carrying out effective work for democratic societal development in Iraq.