 IRAQ  | |
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The Iraqi Interim Government (IIG) assumed sovereign authority for governing Iraq on June 28, 2004. The IIG consists of the Presidency of the State (comprised of a President and two Deputy Presidents), a Council of Ministers, including a Prime Minister, an Interim National Council, and the Judicial Authority.
The Law of Administration for the Transitional Period (TAL), adopted by the Iraqi Governing Council on June 1, 2004, established the basis of the IIG. Under the TAL, the IIG is charged with administering Iraq’s affairs, in particular by providing for the welfare and security of the Iraqi people, promoting reconstruction and economic development, and preparing for and holding national elections.
The TAL stipulates that the IIG will administer Iraq’s affairs until the elected Transitional National Assembly (TNA) takes office; elections for the TNA are scheduled for no later than January 31, 2005. The TNA will draft a permanent constitution for Iraq, pursuant to the process described in the TAL. If the constitution is ratified in a nationwide referendum scheduled for no later than October 15, 2005, elections for a new Iraqi government described in the permanent constitution should take place before December 15, 2003. [source: US Department of State]
Law, Courts & Judgments
Iraqi judicial independence was established in September, 2003, when control of judges was transferred from the Minister of Justice to a Council of Judges, headed by the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court. New criminal defendants' rights have been established and are being implemented, with the help of a public defender program. [source: US Department of State]
Human Rights
Until April 9, 2003, Saddam Hussein and his inner circle of supporters continued to impose arbitrary rule. The regime continued to infringe on citizens' privacy rights. The regime severely restricted freedoms of speech, the press, assembly, association, religion, and movement. Violence and discrimination against women occurred. The regime neglected the health and nutritional needs of children, and discriminated against religious minorities and ethnic groups. The regime restricted severely trade union rights. Child labor persisted, and there were instances of forced labor. [source: US Department of State]
Legal Profession
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