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Women Living Under Muslim Laws:
Protect Iraqi Women's Rights in Family Laws

29/01/2004: WLUML strongly urges you to join Iraqi women's efforts and take action to oppose the Iraqi Governing Council's (IGC) 'Resolution 137' dated 29 December 2003 that proposes the introduction of Sharia law in personal status matters and to cancel all laws which are incompatible with this decision.

The 1959 Iraqi Law of Personal Status, which is considered one of the most progressive family laws in the Middle East and which was achieved through the struggle of the Iraqi people for much of the past century, will be abolished if Resolution 137 is upheld.

It is important to act immediately: the 'Resolution' will come into effect if it is validated by Paul Bremer, the Chief US Administrator.

WLUML regards 'Resolution 137' as a major retreat from previous rights that were guaranteed to women under Iraqi law.

Apart from Iraqi women themselves and their feminist allies across the world, this development has been largely ignored by international media.

The process behind this 'Resolution' by the IGC has lacked transparency and was not part of any democratic or consultative process. It was taken without being publicly debated and subjected to the scrutiny of experts on social and legal issues. It was, furthermore, apparently a proposal by a minority of the IGC.

Since the Iraqi Governing Council was appointed directly by the United States, it is in effect an organ of the Occupation Authority in Iraq. If this proposed 'Resolution' is validated by Paul Bremer it will be a contravention of the 1907 Hague Regulations (Convention IV) for it would change civil law in an occupied territory. The IGC is an appointed interim body and under the Hague Conventions should only deal with restoring public order and safety.

WLUML is deeply concerned that any proposal to replace Iraq's personal status law for Muslims with Sharia as interpreted by each sect will threaten the fabric of Iraqi civil society. The current law does not distinguish between sects. Such a decision would establish sectarianism as an organizing principle of social and political life in Iraq. Moreover, it will give social and political power to those who monopolise the interpretation of religion.

Please act immediately to ensure that Iraqi women's rights are protected.

Below follow details of action needed, relevant addresses, detailed background information and sample letters.

In solidarity,
Women Living Under Muslim Laws
International Coordination Office

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Please write to the IGC, and British and American governments, demanding the following:

1. The clear and unambiguous withdrawal of 'Resolution 137'.

2. That any future change in Iraqi personal status laws is to be done by a publicly elected body, after due process, and that this elected body will include the genuine and equal participation of women

3. That any future debate around future laws in Iraq should be transparent and with democratic consultation.

Sample Letters

To the Iraqi Governing Council
Baghdad