In a concerning turn of events, human rights activists and international observers are raising alarms over the recent developments in Kirkuk, Iraq. The situation in the city has been marred by clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to fatalities, injuries, and arrests.

On September 2, 2023, protesters took to the streets of Kirkuk, demanding political reforms and greater representation. However, the response from the security forces has drawn condemnation from various quarters. Human rights groups argue that the martyrdom and detention of demonstrators are in direct contradiction to fundamental principles of human rights and international law.

Despite the Iraqi federal government's decision to hand over headquarters and residential units to political parties, with the aim of facilitating the resumption of their political activities in Kirkuk, tensions persist. A significant number of extremist parties and entities continue to obstruct the return of other political and social groups as active participants in the city's affairs.

The first paragraphs of Articles 39 and 44 of the Iraqi Constitution explicitly safeguard the rights of political parties and their right to form associations. Additionally, the Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement for every individual.

The situation in Kirkuk has been marred by a history of political and ethnic tensions. Following the events of October 16, 2017, local security forces have struggled to create an enabling environment for the return and political activities of Kurdish political parties in Kirkuk. According to the Constitution, every political party has the legitimate right to freely exercise its activities.

Recent developments have also seen a surge in violence and intimidation. It began with a demonstration to reopen the road connecting Erbil and Kirkuk, but soon spiraled into a wave of arbitrary arrests and extortion. To date, dozens of citizens have been arrested, with the number of detainees on the rise. Furthermore, 14 individuals were transferred to hospitals for medical treatment, while others were injured due to stone-throwing incidents.

Tragically, these events have resulted in casualties, with several individuals losing their lives and many more sustaining injuries. Moreover, multiple reports indicate that Kurdish homes have been targeted by unidentified entities using hammers and military equipment, in an effort to identify those Kurds who participated in the demonstrations. This action starkly contradicts the principles of the Constitution and the spirit of coexistence.

In light of these developments, international observers, the United Nations, and various international organizations are being called upon to closely monitor the situation in Kirkuk. Their involvement is crucial to prevent further violations of international rules that Iraq is a signatory to and to promote peaceful coexistence among all segments of Kirkuk's diverse population. The hope remains that the federal government's commitment to protecting freedoms and implementing a national plan for the region will lead to a resolution of these troubling issues.