Introduction
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An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq
Ruth Russell speaking tour, 17 to 21 July 2003
More information about Ruth's time in Iraq
Introduction
Ruth Russell, from South Australia, was a human shield in Baghdad for eight weeks earlier this year - including three weeks protecting a humanitarian site during the bombing which began in March.
"I decided to pack my bags and go to Baghdad because I believed this was the strongest statement I could make that this war was both illegal and morally wrong. So my first and most important effort was to speak out to try to prevent war. Right up until the last moment I thought the incredible world opinion and lack of any UN Resolution would work - the people of the world did not want it - only three out of 180 countries supported the US government. When war was declared, I chose to stay at the Taji Food Silo to prevent bombing of this UN designated humanitarian site."
At public meetings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Ruth will speak about her experience in Iraq, what she and other human shields saw during the invasion, and show photos taken at the time.
Ruth will also run ‘Peace: the sensible alternative to war’ workshops in Auckland and Wellington.
Ruth’s speaking tour is sponsored by Peace Movement Aotearoa and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). If you are able to assist with the cost of the tour, please send a cheque payable to 'Peace Movement Aotearoa', with a note saying it is for the Ruth Russell tour, to PMA, PO Box 9314, Wellington. A tax deductible receipt will be sent for all donations, so remember to include your name and address. Thank you.
Itinerary
Thursday, 17 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - hear Ruth’s story at 7-30pm, St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby. Organised by WILPF, for more information contact Joan tel (09) 360 8001 or email.
Monday, 21 July - ‘Peace: the sensible alternative to war’, an empowering community workshop run by Ruth Russell which provides opportunities for participants to work through the many outcomes of peace and war - personal, social, environmental, economic and political. From 7-30pm to 9-30pm, Flat 1, 5 Seymour Street, St Mary’s Bay; please RSVP if you are planning on attending so we have some idea of the number of people coming. Organised by WILPF; for more information, or to RSVP, contact Joan tel (09) 360 8001 or email.
Friday, 18 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - hear Ruth’s story from 6pm to 7-30pm, at St Andrew's on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, for more information contact tel (04) 382 8129 or email.
Saturday, 19 July - ‘Peace: the sensible alternative to war’, an empowering community workshop run by Ruth Russell which provides opportunities for participants to work through the many outcomes of peace and war - personal, social, environmental, economic and political. From 2-30pm to 4-30pm, Athena College, 203 Willis Street; please RSVP if you are planning on attending so we have some idea of the number of people coming. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa; for more information, or to RSVP, contact tel (04) 382 8129 or email.
Sunday, 20 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - hear Ruth’s story from 3pm till 5pm, WEA Centre, 59 Gloucester St. Organised by WILPF, Otautahi/Christchurch, for more information contact Janine or Adrienne tel (03) 348 1350, email or email.