In a significant diplomatic effort to strengthen religious freedoms and minority rights in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, Ano Jawhar Abdulmaseeh Abdoka, Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Transport and Communication, held key discussions with Ineke M. Stoneham, Head of the Africa and Near East Unit in the Office of International Religious Freedom at the US Department of State.

The meeting, held at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, underscored the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.

Key Concerns for Iraq’s Christian Communities

During the discussion, Minister Abdoka outlined the concerns and demands of Iraq’s Christian communities, including Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs, and Armenians. He emphasized three critical areas requiring urgent attention to protect minority rights and ensure fair political representation:

1. Security in the Nineveh Plain: Abdoka called for the withdrawal of militias from the Nineveh Plain, asserting that only constitutional security forces should be responsible for protecting the region. He argued that this would enable local communities, including Christian minorities, to safeguard their historical lands without external interference.
2. Electoral Reforms for Christian Representation: The minister stressed the need to amend Iraq’s parliamentary and local election laws concerning the Christian quota. He proposed restricting voting rights for Christian quota seats exclusively to Christian voters, preventing militias and external forces from manipulating the political representation of Christian communities.
3. Implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution: Abdoka urged the full implementation of Article 140, which pertains to disputed territories. He argued that enforcing this constitutional provision would provide legal protections and ensure long-term stability for minorities in their ancestral lands.

KRG’s Commitment to Religious Freedom

Minister Abdoka reaffirmed that the KRG remains a regional model for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The Kurdistan Region has historically served as a sanctuary for persecuted minorities, offering a safe haven for communities facing discrimination and violence in other parts of Iraq.

The meeting at the US Institute of Peace reflects growing international engagement in addressing the plight of religious minorities in Iraq. As discussions continue, the KRG remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold human rights, protect historical communities, and promote a more inclusive political system.

The visit also marks an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring religious freedom and minority rights remain central to Iraq’s democratic future.