The situation in Southern Kurdistan 'Iraqi Kurdistan region'  19.10.2009  

Jabar Amin: I went to Iraqi Kurdistan, July 20, 2009, 5 days before polling day. We got to meet the people and organizations we wanted, no barriers. Overall, the trip was good.

According to your report of the elections in Iraqi Kurdistan, July 25:
In 1992, the KDP and PUK had more than 90% of the votes cast. But now, according to the preliminary election data the KDP and PUK only had 58% of the vote.
How do you commentate this and their losses?

Jabar Amin: Many analysts explain the defeat as many citizens are critical of the PUK-KDP's policies and their way of exercising their power. Voters were convinced, even before the elections that support for the regional government (controlled by the KDP and PUK) will reduce in real terms.

How did PUK and KDPs representatives and theirs supporters commentate this?

Jabar Amin:: Many of the PUK and KDP were shocked of the outcome. That Listi Gorran would get so much support (25 percent) really shocked the ruling politicians. PUK was completely shocked,www.ekurd.netnot least because Listi Gorran gained unexpected in several places, as in Sulemani, KOYA, Kelar, and others, greater support than the PUK. This is not what PUK had been expected. They had expected that Listi Gorran only would get a percentage of individual choice.

What is your comment as a politician about the election results?

Jabar Amin:: The election results showed that there is a great popular discontent with the PUK and KDP, and their policies. People in general are very critical to the ongoing corruption and nepotism that exist in these organisations. People think there is an injustice in the distribution of the region's resources. The government, the KDP and PUK could not fight corruption, nepotism and injustice, and therefore it was such a great defeat. It is very difficult to fight corruption and nepotism within the PUK and KDP.

Kurdish Yezidi`s

According to Yezidi Council in Germany, were before the elections Yezidi entitled to 3 members. But after the recent elections this was declined in practice to a member.
In the other hand, acts of terrorism against the Yezidis are increasing.
What do you think?

Jabar Amin: I'm unfortunately not too familiar with the matter.

Minority

A comment on the elections in Kurdistan was published in the journal Hujådå which have strong sympathy and connections with the Assyrian National Association in Sweden:

"It was decided that five seats, a total of 111, shall be vested in community Assyrian / Chaldean / Syriac as a step in the strengthening of minority rights. Candidates from our people would compete for these seats in parliament. The problem is that the KDP used the entire power apparatus to support the Kurdish allies, the People's Council - Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Council, focusing on strengthening their power in the organisations which they can control.

There were also other irregularities during the elections that KDP must be held accountable for. Some examples are unjustified voting through an intermediary, the registration of deaths in different constituencies, delaying the counting of votes and the evasion of transparency. There is no doubt that all this affected the election outcome. The end result of the 5 minority seats in Parliament which was intended for Assyrians were 3 to the People's Council, and 2 to zawa. In other words, 3 Assyrian MPs to act according to KDP's policies ... "

What is your information on it, and what is needed in order to respect minority rights in Kurdistan?

Jabar Amin: I have also received information that the PUK and KDP is acting to exert influence over candidates / members of minority groups, and that the KDP and PUK supports certain groups / lists more than others. I think this is wrong. Minority groups should elect their representatives without pressure from others. Minority rights must be initially guaranteed by the Constitution. In addition, those in power fail to exert pressure or initiate the electoral lists.

Prisons

According to reports, it is still ongoing forms of torture in various prisons in Kurdistan, despite the measures, and KRGs positive status.
- It is believed that the "Asayish personnel" lacks sufficient knowledge and training to manage prisons. What do you think? How can we change the situation and halt the inhumane treatment in prisons?

Jabar Amin: The big problem is that there is no respect for human rights at the top among those responsible for this sector. If the head of police, security police or prison director gives out instructions to prohibit torture and could by more humanistic ways prosecute people who are guilty, the torture would be reduced in real terms.

Women's Rights

According to statistics, 60% of women and girls are injured as a result of female genital mutilation in Southern Kurdistan. Despite international reactions, serious injuries are still not prohibited to mutilated girls.
What do you think?

Jabar Amin: I have been told that there is genital mutilation in rural areas, but I do not know its extent because reliable surveys and research in the field has been lacking. Genital mutilation is nothing more than an abuse and violation of women's human rights.

How can we stop the international crime going against girls?

Jabar Amin: It can be done by making the conduct illegal and by carrying out an intensive education campaign. Liberal forces have an important role in the fight to stop this phenomenon.

What is your recommendation to the KRG about the matter?

Jabar Amin: To act more actively and give priority to this issue.

Positive developments in Kurdistan

According to your observations:
How is the development in Kurdistan about environmental issues?

Jabar Amin: Kurdistan is suffering severely as a result of climate change and environmental destruction. The weather has become hotter and more unbearable. Sandstorms succeed each other,www.ekurd.netit's something that did not exist before, or so it was very limited. Many water sources have dried up. Agriculture has found it more difficult. etc. In order to stop further deterioration it is needed of a marscalplan; the need for an active policy. This exists in no measures today.

What is the most positive developments in Kurdistan?

Jabar Amin: The Kurds in Iraqi Kurdistan can govern themselves. That the Kurds are free from central government repression. That Iraqi Kurdistan could lodge hope for the other parts of Kurdistan. It is encouraging that a real opposition is being formed in Iraqi Kurdistan, an opposition that can challenge the ruling, which ultimately can lead to a development that could be of benefit to the people.

Prepared & interview by:
Gabar Çiyan – Mistefa Ciziri – Roshan Yigit & EuroKurd News, Stockholm

EuroKurd Human Rights - EHR
Box 50 47, 141 05 Kungens Kurva - Sweden
Homepage: www.eurokurd.net 
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