Iraq begins its new year with a series of demonstrations

• Sulaymaniyah Governorate demonstrations 01/31/2024

This financial strain has left employees unable to afford transportation to their workplaces, raising a fundamental question about how they can be expected to fulfill their work responsibilities when facing such financial constraints. The demonstrator brings attention to the practical challenges individuals are grappling with, underscoring the urgency for resolution and the importance of understanding the real-world impact of delayed salaries on daily life and work commitments.

According to Peshwa Hawramani, the spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government, the delay in salary payments is attributed to the federal government's failure to send the agreed-upon amount of 618 billion dinars. This shortfall has placed the regional government in a critical financial position, resulting in the inability to disburse employee salaries since October. It is highlighted that the regional government has fully cooperated in resolving the salary issue, providing complete cooperation with the federal government in Baghdad. All necessary data and information regarding employees, their numbers, and salaries have been handed over to the federal government.

The spokesperson asserts that the delay in sending the allocated amount for employee salaries is solely due to issues on the part of the federal government in Baghdad, and the regional government has fulfilled all requests made by the federal government without any pending implementation. This statement positions the responsibility for the salary delay on the federal government's failure to provide the agreed-upon funds.

On the other hand, a group of clerics and prominent figures in the city of Sulaymaniyah has urged employees, with a particular emphasis on teachers, to voluntarily resume their work. This appeal comes in tandem with a call on the regional government to actively address the demands of the employees. Unlike some previous instances, there were no reports of the presence of security forces during the demonstration, suggesting a relatively peaceful environment. On the media front, numerous media channels, alongside active participation on social media platforms, were observed, indicating a notable level of coverage and public awareness regarding the ongoing demonstration. The diverse responses from different segments of society, including clerics and figures calling for a return to work, add complexity to the overall narrative of the demonstration.

Basra Governorate demonstrations 01/28-2024

region rather than an outsider. The demonstrators expressed their intent to nominate five individuals from the region for the position, staunchly opposing the appointment of anyone from outside Khor Al-Zubair. This sentiment highlights the local community's desire for representation and a say in the selection of leadership The demonstrators have a singular demand – that the district director exclusively hails from the people of Khor Al-Zubair. They have made it clear that if any appointment is made from outside the district, they will resume their demonstrations and street blockades. In an effort to convey their demands, a delegation of demonstrators took the initiative to visit the mayor of Al-Zubair district. During this visit, they communicated the specific requests of the demonstrators and formally presented a list containing the names of their nominated candidates for the administration of Khor Al-Zubair. This delegation's action demonstrates a coordinated effort to engage with local authorities and advocate for the representation and leadership they believe best serves the interests of their community.

The idea of transforming Khor Al-Zubair into a district came as a result of its strategic and economic importance, as it contains a number of important economic institutions such as the port of Khor Al-Zubair, the fertilizer plant, the petrochemical plant, the governmental and private iron and steel plants, the liquid gas plant, the cement plant, the asphalt plant, and the motor oils plant. Governmentally, there was no governmental reaction to the demands of the demonstrators. As for security, the security forces committed themselves to their neutrality in dealing with the demonstrators, as they did not interfere in the demonstration, and their work was limited to following up on the demonstrators and organizing the demonstration movement. As for the media, it was limited to social media, Facebook.

Baghdad Governorate demonstrations 01/26/2024

In the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, a demonstration took place as a part of a campaign advocating for the boycott of American products. The protesters gathered in front of the soon-to-be-opened new branch of the Pizza Hut restaurant, expressing their rejection of its opening. The campaign's objective is to oppose the presence of any American entities operating in Iraq, as a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza who are currently facing the devastating consequences of war. The demonstration commenced at three o'clock in the afternoon on Street 62 in the Karrada area, specifically in front of the Pizza Hut establishment situated adjacent to the first KFC branch in Baghdad. This protest signifies a form of civic expression against American influence in the region, motivated by global and humanitarian concerns.

Reasons for the demonstrations

Based on a review of demonstrations across several Iraqi governorates, the primary reasons for their initiation are as follows:

• Disbursing Financial Dues to Employees:
• Protesting against a candidate for the mayor of Khor Al-Zubair.
• Gaza war

Observations on the Security Agencies' Handling of Gatherings:

It is notable that the security forces exhibit weaknesses in terms of professionalism when dealing with demonstrators. One of their primary responsibilities is to ensure a visible presence during demonstrations. This presence serves the dual purpose of safeguarding both the demonstrators and essential facilities in the demonstration area while also contributing to the maintenance of a peaceful and organized environment. Conversely, the absence of security forces during demonstrations can be viewed as a concerning indicator, suggesting a potential lapse in their commitment to fulfilling duties towards citizens.

Kurdistan Organization for Human Right Watch

www.KOHRW.org

Email: Reports@kohrw.org