The rise in temperatures and the decline in services are angering citizens

• Demonstrations in Diyala Governorate - 28/06/2024

areas in the governorate suffering from frequent power outages. This negatively impacts the lives of citizens and increases their suffering. The aim of this demonstration is to urge the government to find lasting solutions to this recurring problem each year. On the other hand, one of the demonstration organizers noted that the protesters came from the areas surrounding Al-Khalis District in northern Diyala in a peaceful demonstration.

They blocked the Kirkuk-Baghdad Road in a protest message due to the poor electricity supply to the area. This demonstration arose from the suffering of the residents to draw the attention of the responsible authorities to the plight of these areas, which have not received their fair share of electricity despite temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Additionally, this demonstration may turn into a peaceful sit-in if the protesters do not receive any response from the concerned authorities.

One of the protesters indicated that their stand today is a result of the poor services their area suffers from, and this stand is merely a warning message to the concerned authorities to resolve the electricity problem. The numbers present today are just the beginning of demonstrations that will include thousands. The citizens here are angry, having suffered from unemployment and neglect for many years. Decision-makers must take the necessary actions to provide basic services to them before it is too late. The problem in the area is not only with electricity; the overall conditions in the district are deteriorating on various fronts. From a governmental standpoint, no statement has been issued regarding the citizens' demands. In terms of security, no presence of security forces was observed in the area. Media coverage was limited to a few media channels and social media platforms.

Demonstrations in Dhi Qar Governorate – 23/06/2024

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Dhi Qar Governorate witnessed massive demonstrations, where many young men and women took to the streets to express their rejection of the difficult economic conditions that Iraq in general, and Dhi Qar in particular, are suffering from.  The intensity of the protests escalated when voices demanding quick and immediate reforms from the government grew louder. The demonstrators called for improved public services, job opportunities for the youth, and accountability for corrupt officials. During these protests, tensions heightened, and clashes occurred between the demonstrators and security forces, resulting in numerous injuries. An investigation into these injuries is set to take place, with necessary support to be provided to those affected.

occurred during the demonstration, which resulted in the injury of 19 personnel from the Dhi Qar Governorate Police Command, with reports indicating that one of them is in critical condition. Additionally, four citizens were injured during these demonstrations.

In the same governorate, residents of the city of Nasiriyah in Dhi Qar Governorate organized a protest this afternoon, Sunday, June 23, 2024, due to the poor electrical services provided to citizens and the continuous power outages. Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq suffers from sudden power outages with the onset of summer, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and anger among the citizens in the governorate. These feelings escalated into demonstrations and protests in the city of Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar. During these demonstrations, participants raised slogans condemning the power outages and the lack of basic services in the governorate, demanding that the Iraqi government take immediate action.

From a governmental standpoint, Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadel approved increasing the governorate's share of electrical power from 1,700 megawatts to 1,850 megawatts and bringing in investment maintenance companies to support the relevant government departments in Dhi Qar. Additionally, the Minister of Electricity approved supplying the governorate with 400 transformers of type 400KV. This decision came in response to the demands of the demonstrators in the governorate.

In terms of security, a large number of security forces were observed in front of power generation stations and the governorate's office without any interaction with the demonstrators. Although the gates of the governorate were closed, no notable acts of violence were recorded.

From a media perspective, numerous media channels were present to cover the demonstration, in addition to social media platforms.

Demonstrations in Kirkuk – 26/06/2024

A demonstration started in Bajwan, northwest of Kirkuk, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, demanding the resumption of water supply to the area after a more than 12-day interruption. The demonstration began with residents gathering in the city square, where the protesters carried banners condemning the water outage and demanding swift solutions to this problem, which negatively affects the lives of the residents in the area. The demonstrators chanted slogans denouncing the local authorities and the central government for not intervening to resolve the issue.

The residents demanded the provision of clean water on a regular and organized basis and emphasized the need to address this crisis immediately, especially with the rising temperatures during the hot summer season. One of the protesters pointed out that the residents of Bajwan held a demonstration this morning, demanding that the water department find a solution to the issue of water not reaching over 500 homes. The problem lies in the breakage of the main water supply pipe due to paving works on the main street. Since that day, the residents have been suffering from water scarcity and have had to buy water tankers to meet their needs.

The residents demanded the provision of clean water on a regular and organized basis and emphasized the need to address this crisis immediately, especially with the rising temperatures during the hot summer season. One of the protesters pointed out that the residents of Bajwan held a demonstration this morning, demanding that the water department find a solution to the issue of water not reaching over 500 homes. The problem lies in the breakage of the main water supply pipe due to paving works on the main street. Since that day, the residents have been suffering from water scarcity and have had to buy water tankers to meet their needs. From a security perspective, the demonstration saw the presence of security forces to protect the protesters who came out demanding the provision of water and electricity.

From a governmental standpoint, the Director of the Kirkuk Water Department, Mr. Abbas Ismail, indicated that the Kirkuk Water Department has complete details about the issue in Bajwan. The area was being supplied with water throughout the day according to a schedule that determines the hours for supplying different areas. The problem in Bajwan is due to illegal connections to the main water network and the transmission lines, which affect the water supply to all areas of Kirkuk.

The demonstration received widespread support from residents and civil activists, especially those who supported the residents' demands for quick solutions to the water outage problem. Civil associations and humanitarian organizations called for urgent intervention to resolve this humanitarian crisis. It is worth noting that this demonstration was organized by the residents of Bajwan to express their dissatisfaction and condemnation of the neglect faced by the area and to demand the pumping of water and the provision of basic services to the citizens. The concerned authorities must take responsibility and ensure the residents' rights to access clean water, which is essential for a decent life.

Reasons for the Demonstrations / Protesters' Demands

By reviewing the demonstrations and events in several Iraqi governorates, the main reasons for their initiation are as follows:

• Poor services.
• Provision of potable water.
• Addressing electricity problems.
• Employment in government positions.
• Combating corruption.

Observations on the Security Forces' Handling of Gatherings:

It can be said that the handling of the demonstrators by the security forces still lacks professionalism. One of the primary tasks of the security forces is to protect the demonstrators, in addition to safeguarding vital facilities in the area. Maintaining the peaceful nature and organization of the demonstration is also a priority for the security forces. Therefore, the use of violence to disperse demonstrations sends a negative message about the performance of the security forces and the state of freedom of expression in Iraq. On the other hand, the absence of security forces during the demonstrations is a negative indicator of the concern for the safety and lives of citizens during these protests.

Kurdistan Organization for Human Right Watch

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