RCD Holds Seminar on the Personal Status Law
1. Dr. Miri Kadhim al-Khaikani: Dean of the College of Law, University of Babylon.
2. Dr. Haider Nizar al-Sayed Salman: Historian, academic, and head of the Al-Daleel Center for Studies.
3. Mrs. Suhad al-Khatib: Educator and Director of the Iraqi Women's League in Najaf.
4. Dr. Maher al-Khalili: Researcher and academic.
Dr. al-Khaikani focused on the various jurisprudential aspects of the topic of child custody, arguing that the amendment is in the best interest of the family and the child. He stated that religious rulings are not based on emotions but on higher pedagogical objectives. Dr. al-Sayed Salman explained the historical aspects of the Personal Status Law's enactment, detailing the conflict between traditionalists and enlightenment thinkers that accompanied its ratification. He noted that the law successfully unified the specific legal provisions for all Islamic sects in Iraq.
Mrs. al-Khatib addressed the rights contained within the law, comparing them to those in international codes. She asserted that the law is profoundly just to women and that any amendment would be a step backward. Following her, Dr. al-Khalili spoke about social realities and family problems, stressing the need to prioritize the best interests of the family and the child. He believes there should be in-depth studies conducted on who would be harmed and who would benefit from the amendment.
The seminar, which was moderated by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mamouri, Chairman of the Board of Advisors at RCD, included interventions from a number of other specialists and observers. Their opinions were divergent, ranging from approval of the amendment to conditional approval to outright rejection. Some also addressed the importance of this law and its effects on society.
