Iraq: Iraqi women's movement appeal

These drafts stated:

• The state acknowledges the equal rights of women with men in all fields, on the condition that it doesn't contradict with Sharia Law.
• Personal Status law is to be legislated according to personal religions and sects (which is exactly as was stated in the order 137 of the Iraqi Governing Council, that our movement fought against and managed to abolish it).
• The quota for women, of 25% in all decision making places, was specified only to be followed for the next two elections' phases. It was put under Transitional Laws Chapter and not in the Chapter of Duties and Rights, which can jeopardize the quota for women status.
• All international laws are acknowledged, as long as they don't contradict the Islamic Sharia Law.

The movement emphasizes that it's been unprecedented to hurry the writing of such important and dangerous document that will determine the future of the Iraqis, without involving the Iraqi civil society in preparation and writing process.

It is decided that within ten days the Drafting Committee will accomplish it's work and will be ready on August 15 as the dead line for publishing the final version.

Lately, the Iraqi women movement has prepared a memorandum that stated their demands on the following main points:

• To recognize women's human rights as mother, worker and citizen.
• To prevent all kind of violence and discrimination against women.
• To ensure the quota of not less than 40 percent for women in all decision making positions.
• To recognize the international conventions and documents that Iraq has signed and ratified to be source for the Iraqi legislations and regulations.

This appeal is urging you to lobby for our cause with the Iraqi National Assembly and the Constitutional Committee. We appreciate any action to support our demands to get civic constitution that secure the rights and liberties of all Iraqi people and especially for women without discrimination and will lay down the basis for democracy, social peace and justice.

Baghdad - Iraq
Email: iraqiwomennet@yahoo.com