THE serious difficulties in Iraq came under the spotlight in a recent talk in Tavistock, part of a speaking tour by Ewa Jasiewicz.
Since returning in March from her eight-month stay in Iraq, Ewa has spoken at venues throughout Scotland and will give further talks around England this month.
Ewa, who trained as a journalist, lived in Baghdad and Basra and travelled widely, interviewing many Iraqis. She worked as a human rights observer and is worried about the lack of justice for women and for workers? organisations.
Low wages for many Iraqis make life almost impossible, especially when it is necessary to buy water. Ewa also found that security in Iraq had deteriorated severely under the occupation.
She experienced the poor state of Iraqi hospitals when she was admitted as a patient. There is a critical shortage of basic medicines and equipment.
Ewa said that when the Iraqi Interim Government comes into being on June 30 it will not be an elected body. It will be prohibited from reversing any laws passed since the occupation. The US military presence will continue, apparently with 14 long-term military bases in the country, and the US will remain in control of the newly created Iraqi army.
The meeting was arranged by Tavistock Peace Action Group, who also publicised the ?Child Victims of War? project, launched at the House of Commons the following day. CVW is concerned about the use of cluster bombs and depleted uranium weapons in Iraq, which put children in particular danger.
The project also aims to improve the physical and psychological care of children damaged by the Iraqi conflict and is focusing on the victims of Fallujah. The sum of £120 was raised for DVW at the meeting. Several south west groups have already been set up to support CVW. Anyone interested in forming a local group is invited to contact Ginny Davies on 01822 615960.