The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
The issue of so called honour killings has been addressed by the opposition in the draft democracy document. There does not appear to be any disagreement on this issue whilst there is disagreement about the structure of the government. Quoting from the document: 4.2.3.5 The Rights of Women In general, the above group, communal or religious rights mentioned in Section 4.2.3.4, do not override individual human rights wherever these are abused. In particular when or if they come into conflict with the rights of women, they are always deemed subordinate to the rights of women as individuals and as a gender. No group, whether tribal, national or religious, can make a claim that its customs or traditions allow it to treat women in a way that is contrary to the spirit and letter of the Bill of Rights set out in Section 4.2. The motive of clearing one's family honor, for instance, as a pretext for committing murder against women, will not be permissible as a plea in any Iraqi court of law. Nor can any gender-related restrictions or qualifications be placed on the right to travel, inherit, marry or engage in any other pursuit allowed under the law. _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk