General Board for Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region Warns of Implications of Kurdish Language Ban

The recent decision by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education to ban the use of Kurdish in examinations and prohibit students from answering in Kurdish is a clear violation of Article 4 of the Iraqi Constitution. The formal issuance of this policy only heightens its seriousness and discriminatory nature.

This is not an isolated incident. Similar restrictions have been imposed in the past, and the recurrence of such measures reflects a troubling disregard for constitutional protections.

We, at the General Board for Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region, categorically reject any measure that contravenes the Constitution. This language ban, alongside the recent unilateral establishment of the Qaratapa district, marks the second unconstitutional action in the disputed territories within two months. Such steps undermine the principles of federalism and coexistence and cast doubt on the government’s willingness to resolve long-standing disputes in these areas.

We therefore call on all our representatives in Baghdad — including the President, ministers, and members of Parliament — to take urgent action. They must uphold their legal and constitutional responsibilities by addressing these violations, protecting coexistence in the Kurdistani areas, and ensuring the full implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution.

General Board for Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region