Kvinna till Kvinna Letter to Prime Minister of Sweden of Sweden Regarding International UN Conference on Iraq

Dear Fredrik Reinfeldt,

Kvinna till Kvinna welcomes Your and Sweden's initiative to host an international conference about Iraq, with the purpose of discussing the non-military support of the International Community to Iraq. The conference will give an opportunity to Sweden and the International Community to consider new possibilities on how peace and security can be built in Iraq with civil methods.

Ahead of planning the conference we would like to draw your attention to the fact that women have become targets in the violence with religious and ethnic pretext, which is taking place in Iraq today. Girls cannot attend school because of violence or threats of violence. It has become difficult for women to participate in political activity and in other ways actively participate in the society. A sustainable peace built on democracy and human rights cannot be created without both women and men being listened to, and without making sure that their rights are respected. Kvinna till Kvinna therefore want to stress the importance of this conference to fully integrate the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. In concrete terms this means that the conference must:

- Place issues about women's security and rights high up on the agenda,
- Give space among the speakers to Iraqi organisations working with women's rights
- Make sure that there is an equal gender balance among the speakers and the delegations participating, including the Swedish delegation.

Kvinna till Kvinna is working in areas of conflict where we support women's organisations. We have good contacts with Iraqi women that can give a picture of the problem and the needs in Iraq, as well as point to possible solutions. We would be happy to contribute our knowledge and contacts to you.

Best regards,
Lena Ag
Secretary General, Kvinna till Kvinna