The Iraq Foundation, in collaboration with the Human Rights and Democracy Organization, held a one-day workshop in
Baghdad on the 1
st of October 2005, aimed at raising public awareness on the constitution ahead of the October 15th referendum. Some 50 people, including university professors, human rights activists and civil society and political leaders shared their viewpoints, voiced their concerns, and proposed various recommendations on how to amend certain articles in the constitution that might restrict human rights development in the country. Other issues discussed during the workshop included the roles of the federal and regional governments as defined in the constitution, the relation of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities to each other, and the importance of ensuring that the referendum process is transparent. The workshop was divided into three different panels. The panels were on
the Fundamental Principles and Freedom, the Prerogatives of the Federal and Regional Governments, and
Constitution Guarantees and Transparency of Elections respectively
. The event was attended by media organizations, including al Iraqiya, al Fayhaa, al Anwar, and Kurdsaat TV stations. Newspapers included al Sabahh, al Mada,
Baghdad, and al Taakee. Two articles about the workshop were published in al Taakee and al Mada. The event will be followed by a series of similar workshops nationwide. The workshops are part of IF and Freedom House’s Constitutional Assistance Project that aims at educating the public about their rights and duties in the constitution and promote democratic awareness and civic participation in the constitutional process.
Opening session of Iraq Foundation’s October 1st Constitution Education Workshop
A number of panelists discuss their viewpoints on the constitution and present their papers
The workshop offered many an opportunity to voice their viewpoints and exchange new ideas
A lively discussion with women civil society leaders
