Iraq Enacts Landmark Property Restitution Law as Tensions Rise in Kirkuk

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi government's official gazette, Al-Waqa'i' al-Iraqiya, has published the Property Restitution Law and three other significant legislations, marking their official enactment as of Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The Property Restitution Law aims to reverse the land confiscations executed under the Baath regime, particularly affecting Kurdish and Turkmen farmers in regions like Kirkuk. The law's implementation is expected to facilitate the return of over 300,000 dunams (approximately 74,000 acres) of agricultural land to their rightful owners, rectifying decades of displacement and injustice.

On Jan. 21, 2025, the Iraqi Parliament approved this law alongside amendments to the Personal Status Law and the General Amnesty Law, following extensive deliberations among various political factions. The Property Restitution Law garnered strong support from Kurdish and Turkmen representatives, aiming to address historical grievances stemming from Baathist-era policies.

Despite the legislative progress, tensions have escalated in Kirkuk's Sargaran subdistrict. On Monday, Iraqi security forces prevented Kurdish farmers from accessing their reclaimed lands, leading to confrontations. The Kurdistan Region Presidency condemned these actions as "completely rejected and unacceptable," emphasizing the need for lawful and peaceful resolution of land disputes. 

Read More: Iraq’s Military Restrictions on Kurdish Farmers Are 'Unacceptable,' Says Kurdistan Region Presidency

In response to the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an investigation to ascertain the circumstances and ensure justice is served. 

Read More: Iraqi Prime Minister Orders Investigation Into Kirkuk Incident

The enactment of the Property Restitution Law signifies a pivotal step toward addressing historical injustices faced by Kurdish and Turkmen communities. However, the recent events in Kirkuk underscore the challenges that lie ahead in implementing the law effectively and ensuring that rightful landowners can reclaim and utilize their properties without obstruction.