Office of the Coordinator for International Advocacy

The Office is responsible to communicate and consult with related national and global entities, in order to provide KRG's in-depth policy clarifications and responses in the main human rights forums and panels of the deliberations such as participation in the multilateral treaty bodies.

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KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy chairs meeting on minority rights

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – The Coordinator for International Advocacy for the Kurdistan Regional Government, Dr. Dindar Zebari, on Tuesday met with the Minister of State of Minority Affairs and relevant governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to discuss the situation of ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region and the implementation of the government’s Human Rights Regional Plan.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s ninth cabinet remains committed to protecting the rights of minority groups and promoting coexistence in the Kurdistan Region, working closely with legislators, the judicial system, and community organizations.

There are four main principles that underpin the protection of minority communities: (1) the protection of life; (2) the protection of identity; (3) the right of non-discrimination; and (4) the right to equal opportunity and active participation. These four principles are fully reflected in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s framework and laws, which complement the 2003 Bill on the Rights of Ethnicities, Religions and Religious Sects and the 2015 Minority Rights Protection Law No. 5.

The Kurdistan Regional Government ensures the right to self-determination, personhood, and language use for all minorities, as well as considers religious or ethnic observances as public holidays. The presence of Jewish and Baha'i representatives in the Kurdistan Region is also an indication that all communities have rights in the Kurdistan Region, without discrimination.

Several proposals have been passed to improve the situation of minorities, which includes proportionally increasing the representation of minorities in the security and military apparatus based on their geographical location. All legal amendments or proposals are thoroughly consulted and approved by the representatives of these communities in parliament and in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

01 Sep 2022

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