Iraq announces nationwide curfew for census operations on Nov. 20-21
During this 48-hour period, vehicle movement will be prohibited between all villages, communities, sub-districts, districts, and provinces throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Nov. 11, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Iraqi federal government has announced a comprehensive two-day curfew across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to facilitate the national population census operations scheduled for Nov. 20-21, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Miqdad Miri, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Interior, revealed that the Supreme Security Committee for General Population Census has prepared a special plan for the census operations across all Iraqi provinces, including the Kurdistan Region.
According to Miri, the curfew will begin at midnight (12:00 AM) on Nov. 20 and extend until midnight on Nov. 21.
During this 48-hour period, vehicle movement will be prohibited between all villages, communities, sub-districts, districts, and provinces throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
"The curfew aims to facilitate the population census process in all provinces of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region," Miri explained. He added that exceptions will only be made for humanitarian emergencies or cases of absolute necessity.
The spokesperson further clarified that only Iraqi Ministry of Planning staff conducting the census operations and journalists with special badges will be permitted to move during the curfew period.
Iraq's last comprehensive population census was conducted in 1987, excluding the Kurdistan Region. A complete nationwide census has been repeatedly postponed due to political disputes and security concerns.
This census represents a crucial step in addressing various administrative and demographic challenges facing the country, including resource allocation and electoral district determination.