Heartland Alliance International began working in Iraq in 2004, helping survivors of ISIS violence access healing and justice, mentoring local human rights activists, and strengthening grassroots organizations. Across Iraq, HAI is a leader in torture prevention and treatment, gender-based violence prevention, juvenile justice reform, LGBTQI+ rights, mental health, and religious and ethnic minority rights.
On Thursday, February 4, individuals from across our global community gathered for an informal conversation with HAI’s Country Director Salah Barzngy, International Programs Director Scott Portman, and Executive Director Surita Sandosham for an update on HAI’s programming in the region.
If you were unable to tune in, or if you’d like to share a video of the panel, please click below.
A highlight of the conversation was hearing first-hand accounts from HAI staff in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as the rich discussion on HAI’s torture treatment, juvenile justice, and mental health work inspired by the Marjorie Kovler Center.
“We started in 2004 with torture treatment and prevention based on the Marjorie Kovler Center’s work in Chicago – providing comprehensive and holistic services for survivors of torture, while also working within the primary healthcare system.” Said Scott Portman, Director of International Programs.
