Christian leaders present key demands to Iraqi government to safeguard minority rights

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — A coalition of Christian political and social organizations on Thursday formally submitted a memorandum to key Iraqi government officials. The memorandum, addressed to the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, the Federal Supreme Court, and other influential political bodies, outlines crucial demands for the protection and political inclusion of Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs, and Armenians in Iraq.

The Christian community, one of the oldest ethnic and religious groups in Mesopotamia, has faced repeated challenges, including displacement and violence at the hands of terrorist organizations and rogue militias. These ongoing threats have fueled mass emigration, putting the historical presence of Christians in Iraq at risk.

The memorandum calls for immediate measures to strengthen security, ensure fair electoral representation, and uphold constitutional rights. Among the key demands are:

Security Reforms: The withdrawal of armed militias from Christian-populated towns and villages in the Nineveh Plain and the transfer of security responsibilities to local Christian and Yazidi forces within constitutionally recognized institutions.

Electoral Amendments: Changes to parliamentary and provincial council election laws to prevent external interference, including a special voter registry for Christian citizens and the establishment of designated polling stations for the Christian community.

Constitutional Implementation: Enforcement of Articles 140 and 125 of the Iraqi Constitution to safeguard political and administrative representation while preserving the demographic composition of indigenous minority communities.

Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims: Legislative recognition of a distinct personal status law for non-Muslim communities such as Christians, Yezidis, and Mandaeans, ensuring their rights in accordance with religious teachings.

Amendment of Municipal Revenue Laws: Provisions to protect the rights of non-Muslim communities or grant legal exemptions from certain laws that may disproportionately impact them.

Christian leaders have emphasized that these measures are essential for maintaining Iraq’s religious and cultural diversity while upholding democratic principles. They urge the Iraqi leadership to act swiftly in implementing these reforms to prevent further marginalization and ensure lasting stability.

Multiple Christian political parties and organizations, including the Political Council of the Christian Alliance, the Chaldean Democratic Union Party, the Syriac Assembly Movement, and the Administrative Board of the Armenian Orthodox Community, have signed the memorandum.

With the official submission of these demands, Iraq’s Christian leaders remain hopeful that the government will take decisive steps to protect one of the region’s most ancient and historically significant communities.