IIST Conference on draft constitution

IRAQ INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES (IIST)
Hosted By London Middle East Institute (LMEI)

INVITES YOU TO A WORKSHOP ON
DEBATING THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF IRAQ:
WHAT SHOULD BE AMENDED BEFORE REFERENDUM?

The IIST is organizing a workshop/conference on the draft constitution submitted to the Iraq Constituent Assembly. Advocates of democracy, pluralism, federalism, bills of rights, women’s and minority rights should have a chance to voice their concerns and express their wishes. The workshop/conference will focus on one major question: What should be amended? A nationwide advocacy campaign will follow to inform political actors and legislators and amend the constitution.

9-10 September 2005-08-17
London University, SOAS, Brunei Building, Room B102


Day One: Workshop, Constitutional experts’ views and community discussion

9 September (Friday, Afternoon)

4.30 p.m. Registration
5-8 p.m. Two Sessions

Day Two: Communities’ Concerns and Recommendation
10 September (Saturday)

First Session 11-2.00 p.m. Views
Second Session 4-6 p.m. Recommendations for amendment

Contact phone numbers: 0208 5780600; (mobile: 0795 104 3371);
(mobile) 0790567897; 02075392209; 07952790016

Contact e-mail address: flaeh1@btopenworld.com; saadkt3@yahoo.com

Nearest Tubes: Russell Square (Piccadilly line), and Tottenham Court Road (Central line)






Rules of Contribution


1- On Day One we will all listen to constitutional experts. They will try to develop a comparative view on the Draft Constitution.
All participants are invited to ask and/or comment to develop major thematic points. Questions will have 3 minutes; comments will have five minutes each.


2- Day Two, Session One:
Representatives of groups and communities will present 7-10 minutes each
on a basic question: What is wrong with the Draft from the specific
interest/view of each group or community..


3- Day Two: Session two: Another set of representatives of the same groups/communities would present a specific proposal to amend the constitution in line with their interests and values. Each proposal should be written and presented in Five minutes, to allow for as much proposals as possible.


4- Each interest group or community will be represented by a minimum of five participants. Larger participation is welcomed.