FOR RELEASE: August 8, 2014
CONTACT: Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC: NETWORK today released the following statement on the humanitarian crisis in Iraq:

We at NETWORK have a long history of concern for the people in Iraq, including opposition to the Iraq war, strong advocacy for U.S. aid to rebuild that shattered nation, and deep concern for the refugees seeking to escape the violence there.

Our hearts have been broken yet again by the current humanitarian crisis in that beleaguered nation. We strongly believe that, given our history there, the U.S. has a special obligation to help counter the genocidal actions of extremists against the religious minorities, including Christians.

The reports we receive are horrifying. Tens of thousands of Yazidis facing starvation and death on Mount Sinjar in northeast Iraq. Christians, including Catholic sisters and priests, facing daily threats and violence.

In addition to our fervent prayers for all who are endangered, we strongly support humanitarian relief, including air drops of water, food and supplies for the thousands of men, women and children suffering on the mountaintop and elsewhere. We oppose just as strongly a resumption of the Iraq war. Instead, we must engage with Iraqis and others to seek effective ways to stop the violence and help those who are in harm’s way.

War is not the answer. Humanitarian relief and cooperation with others seeking to stem the violence are the ways to proceed. We call on all concerned to make that happen.

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