§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what discussions he has had with the Coalition Authority regarding the role of women in the Interim Iraqi Administration; and when these discussions took place. [118477]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI have been asked to reply.
Through the UK's Special Representative for Iraq, we are working closely with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and Iraqis to ensure that women play a full and equal role in the Iraqi Interim Administration.
The UK's Special Representative, John Sawers, has consistently emphasised the importance of women being an integral part of Iraq's political process.
A gender expert from the Women and Equality Unit has been seconded to the CPA and she is working with other secondees and Iraqi women to help facilitate women's involvement in the political process in Baghdad.
John Sawers and Ambassador Bremer, the US civilian administrator of Iraq, met women on 25 May in Baghdad to listen to their views and concerns, as well as to discuss ways to ensure their full involvement in the reconstruction process.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what guidelines have been issued to the Coalition Authority concerning the appointment of women to the Interim Iraqi Administration; and what role the Department will have in the appointment of delegates to the Interim Iraqi Administration. [118478]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI have been asked to reply.
467WNo decisions have yet been taken as to the composition of any Iraqi Interim Administration. Consistent with UNSCR 1483, Iraqis, with the help of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the UN Special Representative, will establish interim bodies, and work towards the formation of a fully representative new Iraqi government.
We believe it is important for women to be represented in those interim bodies. Through the Office of the UK Special Representative to Iraq, we are working towards this aim, in conjunction with the CPA and Iraqi groups. A gender expert from the Women and Equality Unit has been seconded to the CPA and is working with other secondees and Iraqi women to help facilitate women's involvement in the political process M Baghdad.