Iraq Foundation and PFI Partners Host Seminars throughout Iraq to Promote Freedom of Expression and Equal Opportunity Laws

March 2007

During the months of February and March, IF’s staff has been working hard to plan and promote the Iraq’s Pledge (IP) campaign to ensure certain rights and freedoms enshrined in Iraq’s constitution are fully preserved and enacted in legislation by Iraq’s parliament. Currently, the Human Rights Committee is reviewing two of IP’s proposed laws: Freedom of Expression and Equal Opportunity. To promote and discuss these laws with relevant ministries and their governorate offices across the country, throughout the month of March IF Staff in Baghdad and Basra have held seminars for MPs, Ministry representatives, civil society NGOs, and local municipal officials in twelve Iraqi governorates. In addition to organizing these seminars, IF staff printed 8000 brochures (HT) to publicize the Equal Opportunity and Freedom of Expression Laws.

IF and IP partners hosted 12 seminars. The following is a list of the dates and locations of each seminar:

1- Baghdad, hosted by the Ministry of Human Right. March 15, 2007.

2- Al-Najaf governorate, hosted by Al-Najaf Municipality, the Office of the Advisory Council. March 23, 2007.

3- Wasit governorate, hosted by the Wasit Agriculture Administration. March 24, 2007.

4- Qadisiya governorate, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, the Culture Center. March 25, 2007.

5- Babil governorate, at the Labor Union event hall. March 26, 2007.

6- Karbala governorate, at the Teachers Association event hall. March 27, 2007.

7- Nineveh governorate, at the Science Club of the Mosul Youth and Athletes Administration. March 27, 2007. This seminar was organized by IF’s IP’s partner NGO in Mosul.

8- Al-Muthana governorate, at the Simawa Center for Yourth and Athletes. March 28, 2007.

9- Thiqar governorate, hosted by the Health Administration. March 29, 2007.

10- Ta’ameem governorate, hosted by the Administration of Water Resources. March 29, 2007. This seminar organized by IF’s IP’s partner NGO in Kirkuk.

11- Basra governorate, hosted by the Basra Agriculture Administration. March 29, 2007. IF’s Basra office organized this seminar.

12- Misan governorate, at a private hall. March 31, 2007. This seminar was organized by IF’s Basra office.