Discrimination of women in Iraq
16.4.2014
Question for written answer E-005032-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)
A draft legislation proposal restricting the rights of women in matters of inheritance, limiting their parental and other rights after divorce, and allowing girls to be married from the age of nine, was approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers on 25 February 2014.
The draft law, called the Jaafari Personal Status Law, is based on the principles of the Jaafari school of Shia religious jurisprudence, which discriminates against women and violates human rights.
On 8 March 2014 — International Women’s Day — the Iraqi Women’s Network, an association of women’s rights groups, held protests, calling it a day of mourning in Iraq.
The Iraqi parliament is soon expected to vote on the draft legislation.
Taking into account the fact that, for the period 2014-2020, the EU has earmarked EUR 75 million to efforts to strengthen the situation for human rights and the rule of law in Iraq, what action can and will the Commission take to ensure that Iraq’s legal framework protects women and girls a manner that is in line with the country’s international obligations?
OJ C 416, 20/11/2014