IRAQ: Women's movement under attack

January 14, 2004
Issue 
566

Lisa Macdonald

In December, the pro-US Patriotic Union of Kurdistan twice threatened to shut down the Suleimaniyiah office of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq. The PUK's security forces claim that the OWFI does not have a "licence" to operate an office. OWFI activists have been warned not to conduct any political activity.

In 2000, PUK forces shut down the Women's Protection Centre in the same city, resulting in the murder and torture of many of the women who were being sheltered there after escaping domestic violence.

The OWFI is calling for supporters of women's rights around the world to pressure on the PUK to end to its attacks on the right of Iraqi women to organise and exercise their political freedom.

Please email protest messages to <pukusa@puk.org>, <pukaus@mail.com> or fax them to (02) 9790 7009. Send copies of protest letters to <owfi_campaign@hotmail.com>.

From Green Left Weekly, January 14, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.