KRG Prime Minister receives the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

On Monday, August 7, 2023, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), met with Mr. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

During the meeting, PM Barzani emphasised the historical challenges the Kurds have faced, including mass killings, genocide, and various human rights violations. Highlighting the KRG's deep commitment to human rights, freedom, and democracy, he urged the international community to cooperate with the Kurds to attain their rightful place, thereby preventing a repeat of past tragedies.

Prime Minister Barzani also outlined the KRG’s comprehensive reform initiatives, especially their five-year strategy for human rights protection and combatting violence, with particular attention to violence against women. He reiterated that the government's utmost priority is the protection of human rights, the preservation of cultural heritage, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnicities.

The UN commissioner commended the KRG for its proactive collaboration and coordination with the United Nations, especially in human rights protection. Moreover, the meeting touched upon the critical issue of climate change, emphasising its adverse effects on humanity and the shared commitment to enhancing environmental awareness among the public.