Position Paper: IRAQ

[maria pipili]

It is true that Iraq still remains a country with serious humanitarian, security and economic problems. Though, the Iraqi State is making some important steps in order to deal with these issues.

Regarding to human rights education Iraq has ratified international treaties and it has adhered to several human rights treaties, such as the two International Covenants (1966), the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Thus the State is obliged to prevent and protect all of its civilians from human rights violations and take positive and effective steps to ensure equality of all to education. [As it is stated in the Iraqi Constitution: (article 14) “Iraqis are equal before the law without discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, origin, color, religion, sect, belief or opinion, or economic or social status”, (article 15) “every individual has the right to enjoy life, security and liberty…”]

Moreover, the UN has an effective role to play in Iraq concerning not only humanitarian affairs, capacity building and democratic reform but also in improving the knowledge about the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. [For example UNDEF (United Nations Democracy Fund) is funding three programs in Northern Iraq in co-operation with Concordia, a local NGO.] The Iraqi authorities, along side with the precious UN assistance, work towards social change to promote gender equality and respect of minorities, benefit of human rights education and advocacy services to members of marginalized groups (such as ethnic and religious minorities or women).

The Iraqi delegation expects that from the present Conference they will come up efficient ways for promoting human rights education among and within the States with respect to the domestic jurisdiction and the cultural diversity of each participant state.

As far as the economic crisis is concerned, Iraq, once again, has to take plenty steps of improvement.
It is true that prior to the war with Iran and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Iraq’s economic prospects were bright since its economy was based on oil exports. But unfortunately due to the choices of the regime at that time, the Iraqis faced desperate hardships. For once more, the UN, through the Oil-For-Food program (1996), improved conditions for the average Iraqi citizen.

Today the Iraqi Government is seeking to adopt laws to strengthen the economy, control inflation, to reduce corruption and implement structural reforms. In addition, foreign assistance has been an integral component of Iraq’s reconstruction efforts over the past few years. [For example the Donors Conference in Madrid (October 2003) or the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (launched by the UN and the World Bank).]

Taking into account the repercussions of the current economic crisis, the Iraqi delegation hopes that through cooperation multilateral action and respect to each country’s national interests, the present Conference shall provide adequate guidelines for an efficient solution.