Hundreds of meetings, large and small, have been taking place across Iraq since late December, 2003, focusing on issues related to Iraq’s democratic transition. To date, there have been 17 televised Town Halls held in all areas of the country with five more scheduled by the end of March. Countless smaller meetings have been held in advance and after those sessions, most spontaneously. A second series of Town Halls will be held to discuss issues involving the Transitional Administrative Law. Discussion topics for Town Hall meetings vary by region and governorate, but the primary topics of interest across Iraq have been: federalism and decentralization, security issues, women’s rights and the role of women in government, the rights of minorities, the role of Islam in Iraq’s government, and the role of sheiks and clerics in Iraq’s government.
Leaflets and posters are printed in lots of one million and distributed based upon need around the nation of Iraq. The leaflets include information on the Transitional Administrative Law, Citizen’s Rights, Federalism, and What is Democracy.
CPA is establishing libraries and has helped to establish the first printing house dedicated to translating and publishing works on democracy in Iraq and, perhaps, the Arab world.
Through the Local Governance Program CPA is implementing the Democracy Dialogue Activity (DDA) in preparation for the transition to sovereignty. As of March 10, 441 Iraqis (385 facilitators and 56 team leaders) have been hired, with training completed in the first week of March. These facilitators will meet with Iraqis in smaller gatherings, providing the average Iraqi with the chance to learn about democracy, and to talk with other Iraqis about the shape of Iraq?s emerging democracy.
The Local Governance Program continues to identify and support civil society organizations that interact with and hold local government officials accountable. Teams have initiated or completed surveys of civil society organizations (CSOs) in their respective governorates and provided CSOs with training on organizational strategies, fundraising, and computers. Other key training delivered includes workshops on democracy and democratic values, and conflict management and tolerance. Finally, teams have provided support for youth clubs and assisted with establishing information centers for women, libraries, and meeting places. As a result of these activities, towns from Mosul to Kirkuk to Basra, an increasing number of independent CSOs are forming or consolidating and are more effectively representing the interests of their members. A special emphasis has been placed on providing assistance to women?s organizations and facilitating a stronger, more meaningful role for women in their communities and government.
CPA is supporting two indigenous Iraqi research institutes as they conduct 11 public opinion polls during the first sx months of 2004. These polls, centered on issues related to the return of sovereignty will inform nascent Iraqi institutions and the Iraqi citizenry about perceptions and beliefs regarding the Transition to Sovereignty.
The United States Institute of Peace is supporting the Iraq Committee for Reconciliation and Peace (ICRP). The ICRP brings several religious leaders together s the signing of a ten-point document, known as “The Baghdad Religious Accord”. It calls for an end to violence and pledges that Iraqi religious leaders will work together to help Iraq become a democracy. The ICRP will hold a formal conference this Spring to create a robust actionable agenda of inter-religious reconciliation initiatives.