Najla's husband was driving in his car in late June 2003 on Haifa Street in Baghdad. As he passed through the Hamm ad Shihab traffic circle an RPG was shot from a green BMW at US soldiers who were manning a static position. None of the soldiers were injured and they quickly began to return fire as the green BMW sped away. Two bullets pierced Najla's husband’s body. He was taken to the Al-Karama hospital where he died from his wounds several days later.
 
Najla’s husband was one of many innocent civilians tragically caught in the crossfire of war.  Under current US compensation rules, she and her family were only eligible to receive $2,500 for their tragic loss.  Though she received the ‘maximum’ payment, there are countless others who get nothing.  
 
If you are like us, you believe that civilians harmed and killed are the most tragic consequences of any conflict.  Each life, each injury, each family tragically ripped apart should be recognized with dignity and equitable compensation. Legislation creating a fair and just claims system for the families of those innocently wounded and killed by US action will soon be introduced in Congress and we need your help to ensure it passes into law.
 
SIGN UP NOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Click here to see actual stories and documents of families who have filed claims in Iraq.
Click here to download our white paper on the military’s claims system based on the ACLU’s database of 2000 civilian casualty claims documents.
Click here to learn more about the Civilian Claims Act and why it is the right thing for both war victims and our military.
Click here to download a Short History of Civilian Claims in War.
Click here to learn more about this collaboration, our activities and the organizations taking part in this campaign.
 
 
This is Najla’s story.  Will you help her?
 
 
 
 
 
Photos courtesy of Chris Hondros.