WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN IRAQ

Early day motion 634, tabled 12 February 2004 by Alice Mahon (Labour). Signed by 83 members.

That this House notes that, while women in Iraq suffered considerably under Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq was a secular society in which they were also able to take up employment and participate in public life; further notes that the interim Iraqi Governing Council is considering changing the personal status code which was the legal basis for this; shares the alarm of Iraqi women's organisations at the prospect of retrogressive legislation being introduced; believes that women's full and equal participation in society is a necessary prerequisite for democracy; and supports the legitimate struggle of Iraqi women to defend and improve their human rights.

Signatures by party: Labour 64, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2.