Iraqi civil society organizations urge action against abolition of minority quota seats in Kurdistan Regional Parliament

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — In response to the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court’s ruling eliminating parliamentary representation for national and religious minorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), the Shlomo Documentation Organization, Administrative Subcommittee for the Armenian Orthodox Community in Erbil, Soraya Cultural Organization, Social Academic Center, Hayyab Talent Association, and Chaldean Association issued a joint statement condemning the decision as a grave injustice against the region’s indigenous groups. They deemed it surprising and lacking in constitutional validity, with no clear legal rationale provided.

The statement emphasized the integral role that these minority communities have played in Iraq’s political landscape and urges the Iraqi leadership to intervene and reverse the decision, preventing minorities from becoming pawns in political disputes over component quotas.

Additionally, the organizations call upon the international community and human rights organizations to offer support and solidarity in their fight for justice and equitable representation.

The statement appeals to all nationalist parties within these minority groups to unify their efforts in safeguarding the constitutional rights of their people in the evolving Iraqi political landscape.