Kurdistan Region has been bright spot for religious freedom, says IRF Secretariat President
She also called the international community to acknowledge the Kurdistan Region as a “refuge” for all religious communities.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat, on Friday highlighted that the Kurdistan Region has been a bright spot for religious freedom.
Her statement came during an exclusive interview she held with Kurdistan24 in which she touched upon the issues of religious minorities in Syria, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.
While commending the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister’s decree declaring Ankawa as a Christian district, Maenza pointed out that “The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been a bright spot for religious freedom for a long time, with a beautiful history of pluralism. This stands in stark contrast to many countries in the region.”
Read More: PM Barzani declares Ankawa as new district
She also called the international community to acknowledge the Kurdistan Region as a “refuge” for all religious communities. “When ISIS came and forced so many to flee from the Nineveh Plains—including moderate Muslims fleeing extremist elements—the Kurdistan Region opened its doors… The international community must realize the sacrifice made by the government and the people of the Kurdistan Region to support those in tough times,” she said.
IRF Secretariat President contrasted Kurdistan Region’s treatment of religious minorities to Turkish-backed armed groups like the Syrian National Army where she noted that “[these groups] have attacked Kurds, Yezidis, and Christians.”
Regarding Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) promise to protect religious minorities’ rights, Maenza underlined that “everyone is watching and hoping they will keep their promise to protect minorities.”
“Religious components are indigenous to Syria and part of its societal fabric. Yezidis, Christians, and other minorities should have the same rights as the majority. The international community should hold the government to this standard and not lift sanctions or provide business support until a constitution is written that protects all rights,” she added.
She also stressed that religious communities should be represented in the upcoming Syrian government.
IRF Secretariat President praised religious freedoms in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava) saying, “Northeast Syria is one place where religious freedom exists, with a multi-ethnic, multi-religious government and women in leadership.”
“I hope things move in a positive direction. Many are concerned because of HTS’s history as a terrorist organization and its violations of religious freedom. This history gives reason for caution, but there is potential for a peaceful and cohesive Syria. Economic support is necessary for recovery,” she concluded.
