On July 18, the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations held a second hearing on humanitarian assistance in post-war Iraq. The first hearing was held on May 13.
Subcommittee Chair Christopher Shays (R-CT) explained that the purpose of the second hearing was to assess the eleven goals of the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, which were presented at the first hearing. These included establishing security in Baghdad, paying civil service salaries, restoring basic services in Baghdad, and preventing cholera outbreaks. While particular concerns of women and families were not specific to the eleven goals, they were mentioned as priorities by several witnesses.
Tammie Willcuts of Save the Children cited protection of women and children as a crucial element of humanitarian assistance. “The U.S. government and non-governmental organizations must prioritize the protection needs of women and children in the onset of our humanitarian response,” she said. Ms. Willcuts urged the Committee to support H.R. 2536, the Women and Children in Armed Conflict Protection Act of 2003. The safety of women and girls was also mentioned by Patrick Carey of CARE. “The current security situation is having a particularly negative impact on women’s and girls’ freedom of movement,” he noted, “thereby reducing their ability to participate in education and employment.” Mr. Carey said that “acceptable levels of security have yet to be established.”
Serge Duss of World Vision agreed. “Girls require special attention and protection from sexual and physical abuse,” he said. “Nearly a third of all girls…are not attending primary school. The protection and development of children is the very foundation for the future of Iraq.” Prioritizing the needs of children was one of four suggestions from World Vision.
