Iraq is at the heart of the ongoing international efforts to stop the spread of terrorism and terrorist groups such as the Islamic State. Iraqis themselves suffer deeply from the decades-long war and unrest, and the current unstable security situation.

In this EPLO Brown Bag Lunch discussion, a delegation of Iraqi civil society representatives and parliamentarians will present the current security situation in their country, the particular challenges and threats Iraqi women human rights defenders face, and how they are working to build stability and peace. The delegation includes Liza Nissan Hido, President of the Baghdad Women’s Association; Buthainah Mahmood, Director of the Hawa Organisation for Relief and Development; Dr Nada Mohammed Ibraheem Al-Jubori, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Iraqi Council of Representatives; and Bushra Mohammed, lawyer at the Pana centre for combating violence against women.

The discussions will provide an opportunity for participants and speakers alike to explore and suggest concrete ways in which the European Union can support the ongoing efforts to build a peaceful and stable Iraq, and the important role women can and should have in this endeavour.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please RSVP to Susanne Wander if you would like to participate by Wednesday, 9 March 2016.