The International Alliance of Women to the United Nations congratulate the people of Mauritania

New York, NY- 5 December 2006

The International Alliance of Women to the United Nations congratulate the people of Mauritania and our Mauritanian sisters and would like to express our appreciation and admiration of the reform policy introduced by the new rulers of Mauritania, wishing them success in completing the reform process in the interest of women and men of the Mauritanian people.

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania has been the only country in the world this year to take legal action aimed at securing the representation of women in legislative and municipal councils at a percentage of no less than 20% of the number of candidates.

In the outcome of the first round of the elections organized by the military on November 19, 2006; as part of the democratization plan designed by the transitional authorities following the 2005 coup d’état, the number of women elected to Parliament exceeded 20% and came close to 40% in municipal councils. This is a rare and unprecedented occurrence in Africa and the Arab and Islamic worlds.

We hope that this example can be followed by many peoples and countries whose women are marginalized and excluded in a manner that hurts the interests of peoples and violates principles of justice and equality.

For more information please contact:

Mrs. Kay Freiglih, UN Representative (718) 426-3060
Mrs. Sally Kader, UN Representative (973) 364-0394