Respect special needs civilians in war zones

WE feel compelled to speak out following the news that two women with Down syndrome were allegedly used as “suicide” bombers in Baghdad recently.

It is unlikely we will ever be able to verify this.

However, we are joining the calls of our international colleagues for respect for people with disabilities, particularly in times and places of conflict.

We call on Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern and the Government to speak on our behalf with relevant governments involved in the Iraq conflict and to express our special concerns for people with disabilities caught up in the war and civil unrest.

Our concerns embrace all those caught up innocently in the strife and we add our voice to the many othersinternationally calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

John Lindsay

CEO

Down Syndrome Ireland

Mary Street

Dublin 1