Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 July 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 8 July 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the new Iraqi Government has made an explicit commitment to equal rights for women.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the new Iraqi Government have made an explicit commitment to equal rights for women. [181944] Mr. Rammell: Article 12 of the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) states that: "All Iraqis are equal in their rights without regard to gender, sect, opinion, belief, nationality, religion, or origin, and they are equal before the law. Discrimination against an Iraqi citizen on the basis of his gender, nationality, religion, or origin is prohibited. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of his person. No one may be deprived of his life or liberty, except in accordance with legal procedures. All are equal before the courts." It is clear from our continued dialogue with the Interim Iraqi Government, in place since 1 June, that there is a clear Iraqi commitment to ensuring the rights of all Iraqis, in line with Article 12 of the TAL and UNSCR 1546.

Secondary information