UN Iraq envoy says this year’s Newroz should be celebrated at home

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, on Friday, called on the Kurdish people to stay at home during Newroz in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Her statement echoed the calls of senior Kurdish officials, calling on people to take the necessary measures to combat the new and dangerous disease.

Hennis-Plasschaert congratulated the people of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on the occasion of the Kurdish New Year (Newroz), which is celebrated on the first day of spring.

“Newroz, traditionally a time of renewal and a celebration of history and identity for Kurds and many other people around the world, comes at a particularly challenging time this year,” she noted in a public statement issued by UNAMI.

In previous Newroz celebrations, “families and friends would gather and celebrate in colorful public displays, as they welcome the arrival of spring, but this year we will celebrate at home as COVID-19 can only be fought with the full cooperation of each and every individual,” she affirmed.

So “I would like to wish you a Happy Newroz,” she concluded. “Let us all find hope in the light of spring: may it shine bright across generations, communities and borders, bringing peace, good health and unity. 

Idiots and Imbeciles 

One of the ironies of the COVID-19 epidemic is that it has erupted in many countries, as spring was starting and people looked to celebrate the end of winter. That has led, in the US, to extraordinary scenes, such as college students on spring break, in a southern state like Florida, soaking in the sun and partying together in large crowds on the beaches, oblivious to the potential consequences.

In Germany, like-minded figures held what were dubbed “corona parties.” Outraged authorities were prompted to begin to impose bans on such gatherings.

In France, the country which has been fifth hardest-hit by the coronavirus, the Interior Minister, Christophe Castaner, strongly denounced such behavior on national television, calling individuals engaged in such behavior as “idiots” and “imbeciles.”

In western countries, it has been generations since populations suffered real hardship. German chancellor Angela Merkel, in a rare nationally televised address, warned of the challenge that the country faced, stressing that not since World War II has there been such a serious danger. 

Strict KRG Measures Against Coronavirus 

However, hardship is not so alien to the Kurdish people. As the virus began to appear in the area, stemming from Iran, which has been the epicenter of the disease in the Middle East, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) took early measures to stem the spread of the virus. It limited travel and imposed curfews, acting significantly before other governments in the area did so. 

Read More: KRG warns against violating coronavirus measures; Iraq reports 83rd case 

Consistent with those early decisions, the KRG has suspended the national Newroz celebrations and has continued the existing curfew.

Several senior Kurdish leaders in their Newroz messages on Friday hailed the efforts of the Kurdish security forces and health workers to halt the spread of the virus, while thanking the Kurdish public for their cooperation with the regulations, mandated by the new disease.

“It is true that the most prominent action taken is restricting the people’s movement, but we are fully confident that we will overcome this crisis through cooperation, as we have overcome far more difficult conditions with endurance,” Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani affirmed. 

Read More: PM Masrour Barzani marks Newroz with message of endurance amid coronavirus outbreak 

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, in his Newroz message, stressed that the Kurds, throughout their long history, have successfully overcome challenges and invasions.

“We need the same Kurdish spirit and optimism and strong commitment to the health instructions, including for people stay at home,” Talabani said, as he affirmed that the KRG “will put every effort to counter the epidemic and its repercussions that have become an issue for the entire world.”

Editing by Laurie Mylroie