Iraq: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on women’s rights in the country

Subtitle: Speech delivered by Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell

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Madame President, Honourable Members,

Iraq finds itself in a very difficult situation in light of the current tensions across the Middle East and the risk of a regional war. Prime Minister [of Iraq] Al Sudani has so far managed to keep the situation under control, and military factions, including Iranian proxies, have by and large remained silent.

The European Union has built a relationship of trust with the current Iraqi government. It is in that spirit that we have also discussed the changes to the so-called personal status law with the Government, the Iraqi Parliament and the judiciary, as well as with civil society.

We have very clearly called upon the Government and Parliament to ensure compliance of the current draft law with its obligations under international human rights conventions and other agreements Iraq [that] has signed up, including with regard to the rights of women and children. A final text of the draft has not yet been produced.

We have highlighted the risks non-compliance would entail. But we believe our discussions have contributed to a much more intensive debate in Parliament and in the Iraqi society than it has been the case in any previous legislative process. The Iraqi judiciary will have to ensure compliance with the Constitution.

The draft law provides for citizens to choose between shari'a-based rules or civilian legislation. We cannot, at this point in time, foresee what the religious institutions - Shi'a and Sunni -will put forward. What matters most is to recall Iraq's international obligations. And now, we have been reassured that the most problematic amendment, the introduction of child marriage from the age of 9 years, has been removed from the draft law under discussion. This would be your success.

We will continue our frank and constructive dialogue with the Iraqi authorities, Parliament and other stakeholders on this draft law and to prioritise improving the human rights situation for all Iraqis as a matter of course and priority.

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