Feature: Iraq

On 29 May Sweden will host an international conference on Iraq. This conference is part of the efforts by Sweden and the rest of the world to contribute to sustainable development in the country.

Iraq is a richly endowed country with good chances of developing well if its security situation improves. Apart from the suffering that the lack of stability and security in Iraq causes the people there, the impact is also felt around the world - not least in the Middle East, but also in the EU. With so many people with an Iraqi background living in Sweden, the reality of the situation in Iraq feels close to home and becomes a part of our everyday lives.

After decades of dictatorship and conflict, the challenges that Iraq faces in development and humanitarian terms are huge. A democratically elected government is in place. However, the Iraqis have found it difficult to agree on necessary political compromises and to achieve national reconciliation.

Fundamental issues of international law, self-determination, human rights and democracy have become a matter of urgency, as has the international community's responsibility for Iraq after Saddam Hussein.

These pages contain more information about Sweden's role in hosting the international Iraq conference, Sweden's commitment to Iraq and developments in the country.