KRG stresses religious-based tolerance

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – On Monday, the United Nations held its yearly religious Coexistence Congress in Erbil in which all participants emphasized the spirit of forgiveness, peaceful coexistence and to address religious extremism.

On the occasion of Religious Coexistence Week in Iraq, the UN held the Congress in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).UN Special Envoy for Iraq, Jan Kubis participated in the Congress along with many Kurdish officials, including Pishtiwan Sadiq, Minister of Education, who is also acting Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs.

Moreover, head of Kurdistan Region Islamic Scholars Union, Abdulla Waisi, and representatives from all religious denominations, academics, and civil society organizations was present and participated in this event.

Mariwan Naqshbandi, the spokesperson for Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs, told K24," We already have religious coexistence in Kurdistan Region. What we insist on is to prevent the propagation of religion-based violence."

Naqshbandi further stated that the UN helps to gather representatives of all religions throughout Iraq, "We also need the UN to support us financially in providing accommodations to the displaced peoples from religious minorities," he said.

Regarding the purpose of the Congress, Naqshbandi highlighted that it focuses on resolving the Sunni and Shia sectarian conflict that has also affected other religious minorities, such as Yezidis (Ezidis) and Christians. "We are creating coordination between religious scholars and KRG to expand [and promote] religious freedom," he said.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, Christians have consistently emigrated from Iraq. Islamic State (IS) invasion worsened violations against religious minorities, particularly Ezidis and Christians.

Eight religious communities are officially recognized and represented in Kurdistan Region, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, Ezidis, Zoroastrians, Kakai (Yarsan), Baha’i, Sabaeans, and Mandaean communities.

Reporting by Gulala Khaled
Editing by Benjamin Kweskin