Mon, 2 Aug 2004

TEAR Fund New Zealand

02/08/04

TEAR Fund calls for protection of Iraq's religious minorities

TEAR Fund New Zealand is calling for the Iraq Governing Council, Muslim clerics and the Coalition Authority to ensure the safety of Christians and religious minorities.

Since the invasion of Iraq and subsequent epidemic of lawlessness, Shi'a militia groups have subjected indigenous Iraqi Christian to a relentless series of intimidation and attacks.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, 102 Iraqi Christians have been killed since April this year. Thousands more have attempted to flee the violence.

"Iraqi and coalition authorities and religious clerics must ensure Christians and other minority groups are free to practice their beliefs," says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

Christianity, introduced to Iraq in 33 A.D, accounts for three per cent of the nation's population. TEAR Fund operates a Thalassemia unit in Baghdad. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder, easily treated with the right medication.

ENDS

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