Europeans To Serve as 'Human Shields' in Iraq

As peace movements across the world gather momentum in the current Iraq conflict, hundreds of volunteers from Europe, the U.S. and Canada are making last preparations for a trip which some say, could be their last.

The anti-war group Human Shields Action, led by former U.S. marine Ken Nichols, has recruited people from all over the world to act as deterrents against a U.S.-led military strike on Iraq. A number of them will be departing for Iraq in the coming days. Once there, the various convoys will identify targets for bombing, such as key bridges, roads, power stations and heavily populated areas, and will deploy themselves as "human shields" under the spotlight of the international media.

DW-WORLD spoke to 52-year-old Judith Menson, a Human Shields Action volunteer from Shropshire, Britain, on the eve of her departure for Baghdad.

Why did you join the Human Shields movement?

I have always felt passionately about the Middle East and Iraq. I had the feeling that, despite the protests, (British Prime Minister Tony) Blair would not listen to the people, and that the only thing to do was to take action myself. I heard about the human shields from a friend some months ago and immediately decided to take part.

Immediately?

Yes, on the spot. There was no doubt at all. In my job, I have taken my annual leave - who knows, it could be my permanent leave.

Where will you be located in Iraq and are there any plans as to where you will act as a "human shield"?

We have no idea where we are going. Due to security reasons, the organization can not tell us any exact details. We do not know what will await us in Iraq. But we will be the guests of the Iraqis, who are a wonderful, stalwart, people -- people who have taken so much in stride and haven't buckled under it.

Are you scared?

Yes, of course I am scared. I belong to a generation which hasn't experienced war. For us, war is just in our imagination.

Do you feel stronger due to last weekend's widespread peace protests?

I think the protests will help diplomacy and that they will concentrate minds on diplomacy. The less they listen, the more protests there will be.

Some criticize what you are doing, saying that as a "human shield" you are working with Iraq.

It's not up to any head of state to bring a leader to fall, no matter who is he is. It is the task of the people. We are going in solidarity with the people of Iraq, and we are trying for a diplomatic solution. Thirty six percent of the Iraqi population is 16 or under. Declaring a war on Iraq is declaring a war on children. It is utterly immoral!

You visited Iraq once before, three years ago. What impressions did you take back home with you?

Despite what people say about Baghdad, I was free to walk on my own and no one begged from me. I can remember standing in a lift surrounded by Iraqis. When they asked me where I came from I thought about saying France or Russia, but decided on telling the truth. No one remarked on my being British, and they were just as friendly. I visited the poorest parts of the city, visited a children's hospital and saw the suffering caused by the sanctions.

Right now, I'd rather be there than here.