NWCI says ‘No to War Against Iraq’

Published: Friday, February 14, 2003

The National Women's Council of Ireland as a member of the NGO Peace Alliance supports the anti-war demonstration on 15 February, affirming that women reject war as a solution to the current situation in Iraq. War not only prevents other solutions from emerging, but also undermines the existing UN mechanism for upholding human rights and strengthening women's rights. "The NWCI is committed to the achievement and the full realisation of women's political and human rights" said Grainne Healy, Chairwoman of the NWCI. "Women are deeply concerned that violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations is extreme, systematic, and widespread" she added. "Therefore, the National Women's Council of Ireland calls on the Irish Government to use their powers to press to pursue negotiations in favour of a peaceful resolution. As part of the European Women's Lobby we join with women's organisations across Europe to say No to war against Iraq and call for a halt to militarisation".

'We call on the Irish Government specifically:

• To withdraw its offer of Irish airports and airspace for the use of American military aircraft and the transport of military personnel and equipment to facilitate threatened war against Iraq
• To bring their influence to bear and to press Iraq to accept political solutions and to accept fully the mandate of the UN inspectors
• To ensure the implementation of all commitments in UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women's role in conflict resolution and sustainable peace."