Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness D'Souza (Crossbench). It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 6 July 2006.

Iraq: Treatment of Women

Question: What steps they are taking to help prevent the oppression, abuse and murder of women in Iraq by religious factions.

Answer: My Lords, we are helping the Iraqi police and security forces to develop the capacity and ability to protect all members of Iraqi society. We are also raising the awareness of the role of women in society in Iraq through dialogue with the Iraqi Government and the promotion of Iraqi civil society groups. We welcome the recent Iraqi constitution, which includes protection of women’s rights. The constitution must lead to appropriate legislation.

Secondary information