Dear Guests,

 

Hi, I am Nahoko Takato, a Japanese aid worker. I have been involved in Iraq since 2003, providing emergency help there and to Iraqi refugees in Jordan. My work inside Iraq is primarily in Ramadi and Fallujah which are both in Anbar Province. These two cities were the hardest hit in Coalition military actions and their citizens suffer greatly as a result of the tremendous damage done and the terror they’ve endured.

 

 It is believed that Depleted Uranium Weapons are regularly used by US troops in Iraq. In the two all-out attacks on Fallujah that occurred in 2004, White Phosphorus weaponry was used as well. During the long-term siege on Ramadi in 2006, thousands were killed by air strikes and snipers. 

 

 

 But this tragedy did not end with these devastating military attacks;  it continues and  is manifesting in the youngest and most vulnerable: Iraq’s infants, still in their mothers’ wombs.

 

Since the use of these weapons, the percentage of infants born with gross deformities and congenital heart diseases has increased dramatically.  Neonatal mortality has increased greatly as well. This rise in the number of birth defects  is causing unspeakable anguish for the parents of these children and for married couples who now hesitate when considering if they should have children.  The doctors encountering these cases are confounded.  This situation is unlike anything they have experienced before.

 

 Now I will show some pictures which were provided by doctors in both of these cities. (SHOCKING PHOTOGRAPHS) I believe that seeing these little one you will see now are going to say something to your heart.

 

 

And now, I would like you to meet them…

 

Salaam

 

NAHOKO