Press Notice: Rape of Iraqi women
Neither blood nor rape for oil
Coming clean on rape and other sexual torture of women and girls 
at the hands of US and UK armed forces or their agents in Iraq and Afghanistan 

Black Women’s Rape Action Project and Women Against Rape have written to Women Legislators of the Coalition of the Willing demanding accountability in the present crisis of war crimes and torture, including rape, in which both the UK and US governments are complicit. 

We enclose photos of rape.  While we cannot verify the authenticity of these photos, it is clear from all the other information now circulating that these or similar rapes have taken place.  We have disguised the women’s identities in order not to endanger or embarrass them. 

We point out that:
1. The rape and other torture of women and girls has been largely hidden
2. Most women and girls cannot speak out 
3. We have a right to know what is happening to women and girls in Iraq and Afghanistan
4. We want to publicise the rape of women soldiers and within soldiers’ families in the US
5. We enclose a powerful indictment by former US air force captain Dorothy Mackey who makes clear that the rape of women within the army is condoned by the hierarchy. 

We do not accept that those in authority merely “turned a blind eye”.  There is mounting evidence that orders to torture, including rape, came from the highest levels.  Neither do we accept that the UK government bears no responsibility for the actions of US troops and vice versa.  Coalition must mean joint responsibility.  Why has no one in a position of authority resigned? Will you ask that they do now and face prosecution? 

Full statement is being sent to women in Parliament.
Also available: a statement by the Global Women’s Strike on www.globalwomenstrike.net

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