Iraq

Background

Following Saddam Hussein’s defeat in the 1991 Gulf war, United Nations economic sanctions resulted in great hardship for Iraqis. Despite schemes such as the “oil for food program”, designed to bring necessary commodities such as food and basic medicines into Iraq, it was the general population who suffered most during the sanctions, which are estimated to have lead to the death of half a million children.

In March 2003 Iraq was invaded by a US led coalition on the pretext that Saddam Hussein’s government was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and had links to al-Qaeda. Following the swift military victory, it was revealed that the WMDs and al-Quida links didn’t exist, so the coalition seized on the idea of “bringing democracy to Iraq” as a justification for the on-going occupation. This has proved a difficult task, with the US military and the new Iraqi security forces struggling to deal with the unremitting insurgency, growing sectarian strife and rule by militia. Popular elections held in 2004 and a national constitution, agreed in 2005, have failed to unite the country, which remains deeply divided along sectarian lines.

Human rights situation

One of the main features of the post-Saddam Hussein period has been the huge escalation in ethnic cleansing between Sunni Muslims (mostly based around Bagdad), Shia Muslims (who occupy most of the south) and Kurds (who are located in the north of Iraq). This ethnic cleansing has led to the displacement of some 4.2 million Iraqis, 2 million of whom have escaped to neighbouring countries, especially Syria. To reduce the flow of refugees, neighbouring governments introduced strict visa requirements, which refugees cannot fulfill, and detained them indefinitely so as to coerce them to return home to Iraq.

Violence against women has increased during the last couple of years and many have been forced to leave their jobs or to seek refuge abroad after receiving death threats. In Basra, some 42 women were reportedly killed between July and September 2008 by Shia armed groups vying for control of the area. In most areas women were increasingly threatened by armed men if they failed to observe a strict dress code. Reportedly, domestic violence and “honour killings” were on the rise and increasing sectarianism has put at risk women married to men from another sect.

Soldiers from the multi-national forces have committed gross human rights abuses, which have included acts such as the unlawful killing of civilians (leading to the trial and conviction of some UK and US soldiers), arbitrary arrests and destruction of property. The multi-national and the Iraqi security forces held some 60,000 prisoners during the end of 2007, many indefinitely and without charge. There have been several reports of abuses and ill treatment of the detainees, which have been attributed especially to the misconduct of the Iraqi security forces (but also to US soldiers, as witnessed in the Abu Ghraib scandal).

Australia’s relationship with Iraq

Australia’s relationship with Iraq is one of economic support in order to create a stable and democratic nation. This includes a pledge of more than $195 million in reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. More specific contributions by the Australian government have targeted agriculture and governance. Financial management, human rights, and law and justice have also been prioritized.

In 2003, the Australian government gave $38 million to the UN Flash Appeal, administered by UN agencies, international organizations and NGOs. This commitment by the Australian government helped meet needs in child protection, water and sanitation, health, food distribution, disease prevention, landmine awareness and other critical areas.

Contacts

Diplomatic representation

Australian Embassy, Iraq
International Zone
Baghdad
Iraq
Tel: Landlines in Baghdad are not operational. For consular emergencies, please contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra: +61 2 6261 3305
E-mail: austemb.baghdad@dfat.gov.au
www.iraq.embassy.gov.au

Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Australia
48 Culgoa Court
O’Malley ACT 2606
Tel: (02) 6286 1333
Email: iraqembcnb@hotmail.com
www.iraqembassyaustralia.org

Contacts for Australian Parliament “friends of Iraq’’ group.
Secretariat for Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Australian National Group
Andrew Templeton, Executive Officer
Tel: (02) 6277 2158
www.aph.gov.au/house/info/pro/index.htm

International organizations working in Iraq

UN organizations

- OHCHR
Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 928 9118

Middle East and North Africa Unit
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 928 9153

Field
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Tel: +962 77 670 3047
Email: bercault@un.org

- UNDP
PO Box 941024
Amman 11194
Jordan
Tel: +962 6 560 8330
Fax: +962 6 560 8331
Email: registry.iq@undp.org

- UNESCO
National Office for Iraq in the Middle East Cluster.
The office is temporarily based in Amman, Jordan.
9, Yacoub Ammari Street, Abdoun
PO Box 2270 Amman 11181
Jordan
Tel: +962 6 5902340
Fax: +962 6 5902350
Email: baghdad@unesco.org

- UNHCR
www.unhcr.org/iraq.html