April 13, 2004
Feminist Peace Network endorses Code Pink's petition
The Feminist Peace Network wishes to add its endorsement to the Code Pink and International Occupation Watch Center in Iraq's calls for Emergency Action regarding the worsening situation in Iraq. We also wish to express our solidarity with the calls to stop the violence issued by the Organisation Of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), the Iraqi Women Network (IWN) and the Advisory Committee on Women Affairs In Iraq (ACWAI).
It is important to note that 80% of the casualties of modern warfare are civilians, the majority of whom are women and children. We therefore also demand the immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 as a part of the process of resolution conflict in Iraq, as well as the enforcement of CEDAW, the Convention o the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (which Iraq has ratified) and the utilization of the International Criminal Court for the prosecution of criminal cases.
Despite the U.S. non-support for these international tools of conflict resolution, Iraq has agreed to utilize them and therefore they should immediately be utilized. Such implementation is necessary to insure that the human rights of women and children are recognized and addressed in the peace-making process.
UNSC 1325 mandates the following:
1. Increased representation of women in decision-making for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict and peace processes.
2. Increased appointment of women as special representatives and envoys
3. Support of local women's peace initiatives; and protection and respect for the human rights of women and girls.
4. Respect for international law applicable to the rights and protection of women.
5. Adoption of special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence.
6. That Security Council missions take gender considerations and rights of women into account, including through consultation with local and international women's groups.
CEDAW, adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. It defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field." It also sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.
The statutes of the International Criminal Court criminalize sexual and gender violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity. They also establish measures to facilitate better investigation of gender-based violence as well as standards for care of victims including witness protection and legal counsel.
The Feminist Peace Network is dedicated to building an enduring peace, with the ending of violence towards women and children as a first priority. This group is dedicated to the urgent need to immediately work towards providing shelter, food, education, and a safe environment for women and children in all parts of the world, as well as creating economic conditions to ensure these rights in the future. For more information, please visit our website at www.feministpeacenetwork.org.
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