The objectives of this summary background
paper are to provide an overview of some of the major issues and challenges
facing Iraq, and to encourage internal and external dialogue on these issues
among colleagues and partners.
GENERAL CHALLENGES FOR RECONSTRUCTION
Iraq's reconstruction and rehabilitation needs are extensive. They are the result of years of neglect under Saddam Hussein's 1979 to 2003 dictatorship; neglect that has resulted in the degradation of the country's infrastructure, environment and social services.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE deplores the continuing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by the occupation powers, and condemns the extended occupation which these powers say is necessary to meet their strategic, political and economic objectives - both in Iraq and the region.
1) CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR SAFE, EFFECTIVE, IMPARTIAL AID
- The need for internal security is essential for safe, effective and impartial aid. The recent terrorist attacks in Iraq are raising doubts that the formal handover of power scheduled for the end of June 2004 will bring peace; or that democracy can take root and that security can be guaranteed.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes that security will best be achieved by reducing religious and cultural intolerance, and by ensuring that people have the ways and means to participate in building a democratic country, one that is respectful of all groups.
- The militarization of humanitarian aid leads to added insecurity (especially for women), poor assessment of local needs and inappropriate projects, and makes it difficult for aid organisations to act impartially, based solely on need.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE deplores the fact that the roles of the military and aid organisations have become blurred, and it is concerned that needed assistance may not be impartially or effectively delivered to the most vulnerable Iraqis, including women.
2) THE AVAILABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF FUNDS
- Sound management of international aid and national resources is necessary to strengthen Iraq's social fabric and reinforce peace-building. International aid, as well as Iraq's oil revenues, need to be managed in a transparent and responsible manner through effective monitoring and accountability, and by ensuring cooperation among donors.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE insists that international aid to Iraq be managed in a transparent and competent manner, and that evaluation and accountability be integral components of humanitarian and development assistance.
- The elimination of Iraq's debt is a hotly debated issue. Some countries, including Canada, argue that debt restructuring ensures that Iraq upholds its financial commitments and remains attractive for future foreign investment. The NGOs that oppose debt restructuring believe that debt relief will ignore the odious nature of debts from Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, and will inhibit full economic and social recovery.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes that the debt should be eliminated altogether, as this will foster development and hopefully improve the situation of ordinary Iraqis.
THE CHALLENGES FACING THE DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS
A CLEAR AND LEGITIMATE POLITICAL RENEWAL
- Support for the democratization process is a sine qua non for an environment conducive to peace and development. Representative government, the system of government, and the holding of free and fair elections remain hotly debated issues.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE urges that sufficient pressure be applied on the occupying powers to ensure that a genuinely liberal, democratic and constitutionally circumscribed political system be established - one that would guarantee minorities freedom from domination by the majority.
- The need for a clear mandate, and genuine role for, the United Nations during the transition process will contribute to the restoration of sovereignty to the people. To this end, the UN could become involved in helping to develop a permanent constitution, organizing elections and carrying out humanitarian and reconstruction work.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes that the United Nations should be given clear authority, sufficient funding and the mandate to govern Iraq until a sufficient level of sovereignty is restored and a process of nation-building can be initiated.
HELPING IRAQIS TO EXPRESS THEIR VOICES AND IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE IDEAS
- Respect for human rights will ensure the security of Iraq's most vulnerable citizens and an environment conducive to the development and work of local organisations.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes it is crucial to address the continuing violations of human rights in Iraq, because only then can stability, peace and security return.
- A free media is essential to Iraq's rebirth as a democratic society, an element which is currently being undermined by laws that contradict international human rights standards.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes that a free media represents a fundamental cornerstone for a successful civil society because it can help to keep the government in line and educate and galvanize citizens into action.
- Supporting civil society is a pre-condition for the participation of the Iraqi population in decision-making and for taking responsibility for their own destiny. It also acts as a counter-force to extremist tendencies.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE believes that support for Iraqi civil society organizations, in accordance with the will and needs of the people, will prove effective in the long term because it will empower people to take control of their individual and social destiny.
THE CHALLENGES OF INCREASING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN RECONSTRUCTION
- Increasing women's participation in reconstruction will lead to the empowerment of women in policy and decision-making, and their involvement in securing their rights and taking responsibility for their future.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE seeks to ensure that women participate fully in all aspects of political, social and economic life; that their rights and interests be safeguarded from the rise of religious extremism; and that they be included in a new permanent constitution.
Montreal, March 15, 2004
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