Ann Clwyd speech to LFIQ meeting with Iraqi women trade unionists at the Commons

Then Rt Hon Ann Clwyd MP addressed the meeting. The Prime Minister’s Envoy to Iraq on Human Rights

I am very pleased to see you all here – particularly women from Iraq - because I have a long association with you and it is important that you are here in the week of international Women’s Day and because you are examples of how much has been achieved in Iraq and the determination of the women of Iraq, despite all the difficulties, to fight for what you believe to be worthwhile.

Some of us were associated for a long period of time with Cardri - . the Committee Against Repression and for Democratic Rights in Iraq.

When I was in Iraq 18 months ago I met representatives of the free trade unions and I showed them a Cardri newsletter from 1987 that had several articles on the crushing of unions by Saddam.

They said to me, oh, we used to hand that out, translated into Arabic, on the streets of Baghdad.

We in Cardri did not then know that our newsletters were reaching the streets of Baghdad but unfortunately one if not two of those brave men who we met were subsequently killed.

It was very sad that those fighting to restore trade unions in Iraq were being attacked in that way.

That’s one of the many reasons why we admire you for standing up for the thing you believe in despite the threats.

And when I was in Basra for the first election it was amazing to see so many women turn out to vote.

The polling stations that were being attacked by mortars and many women were present at this particular polling station.

I asked the polling clerk what did the women do. He said that they stood there and sang a song of defiance.

So we understand what problems face you and your difficulties and we obviously want to do everything we can to help you.

We know that bodies such as the TUC and the ICFTU have protested against, for example, Decree 8750 and the new government of Iraq, when it is formed, must understand that strong trade unions are vital in Iraq, in all professions, and in consolidating the freedoms and rights which Iraqis are beginning to enjoy for the first time.

On International Women’s Day we say in this country that women must be represented at all levels and have equal rights with men.

We who are elected as MPs also understand how difficult the struggle is for women not only in your country but in ours too. For example, for 17 years I was the only woman MP from Wales. So because we have had to struggle ourselves in different circumstances to you, we want you to know that you have our support and solidarity and would be happy to give any assistance we can.