The Congress was formed in March 2005 by labor groups, women's groups, students, and neighborhood groups concerned about sectarian violence, Ba'athism, Islamism, and nationalism, as well as the post-war occupation.
In March 2005, a Congress was formed by labor unions, women's advocacy groups, student organizations, and community groups who were worried about sectarian violence, Ba'athist ideology, Islamist movements, and nationalist sentiments, along with the aftermath of the war.