KHRP Expresses Concern at Ongoing Reports of Violence in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
KHRP is disturbed to hear reports of violence by armed militia against peaceful protesters in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and calls on the Regional and national governments to ensure that the rights of peaceful assembly and free expression are not only protected but also promoted.

Since 17 February, where one young person was killed by security forces in a demonstration, there have been growing protests and demonstrations of solidarity across the Kurdistan region, with the largest showings in Suleimaniyah. A group of NGOs, writers, community leaders and other concerned citizens has formed, calling itself the White Group, with the stated aim that no violence breaks out on either side. It has formed a human wall to shield protests from escalating into attacks on security forces and vice-versa. Inspired by what is happening across the wider region, including in the rest of Iraq, protesters say that they are out in force to express their frustration on a range issues from unemployment to corruption. At least 3 people have died in the protests and hundreds have been injured.
KHRP partner the Civil Development Organisation (CDO), the Christian Peacemakers Team and the White Group have all reported that there is a need for more support from the Regional government in controlling militias linked to political parties, which are considered to be the main instigators of violence in an otherwise peaceful atmosphere. KHRP understands the Regional government’s parliament was in session for over 12 hours yesterday and came out with recommendations of how to better ensure and protect the right to protest.

KHRP Chief Executive Kerim Yildiz stated earlier today, ‘We welcome the government’s recent statements deploring the violence and free speech in the Kurdistan region. We hope that those statements translate into action and improved protection of the rule of law and respect for the people’s right to dissent. People living the region have the right to express concern over their lack of employment and possible corruption, especially when they see an ever-widening disparity between ‘the haves and the have-nots’ all around them. We support the White Group’s efforts to ensure that peace is the guiding principle of all protests and call on everyone involved to respect everyone’s right to be heard.’