Iraqi Draft Constitution and Human Rights

It looks as though the Iraqi Constitution will be put to the voters as the Shiite Muslim-led government closed negotiations today and planned to put the final version of the draft before the National Assembly and voters in a referendum (click here to read more). However, the Sunni's and other groups aren't happy with the draft constitution. Right now it remains unclear whether the constitution will succeed or not, but for a good summary of why the draft constitution is dividing the country check out this article by the Economist. Many have questioned whether the draft constitution contains the necessary elements that guarantee human rights and whether a constitution based on Islamic Law can provide for women's rights (see Paul Stempel's post at ICHR).

To view many of the key provisions in the draft constitution click here.


--Tom Hayes