Kurdish Participation in Census Proves Kurdish Identity in Disputed Areas

Kurdistan 05:57 PM - 2024-11-19

Iraq and Kurdistan map.

Kurdish citizens residing in the disputed areas covered by Article 140 of the Constitution are being urged to return to their original homes and actively participate in Iraq’s upcoming population and housing census, set to begin tomorrow, Wednesday. Participation is seen as essential to securing their future rights and reinforcing the Kurdish identity of these regions.

Presence During the Census Ensures Rights

Aso Mamand, the Head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) organisations in the Kirkuk-Salah al-Din, urged citizens from the areas covered by Article 140 to return to their homes and engage actively in the census process. He stressed the importance of being present in these areas during the census to guarantee their rights.

 

This Census is a Historic Opportunity

Sozan Mansour, Spokesperson for the PUK bloc in the Iraqi parliament, also emphasised the significance of the census. She told PUKMEDIA: "After the 1957 census, this is the first general census to be accepted by all Iraqis, across all communities, making it vital for Kurds in the disputed areas to take part in their original locations. We, in the PUK, have made all the necessary preparations to ensure that original residents in these areas will be present on the day of the census."

Mansour went on to highlight the enthusiasm of citizens returning to areas such as Khanaqin in Diyala Governorate, which has seen a renewed effort to demonstrate the Kurdish identity of the area. She added: "The last census in Khanaqin was in 1997, under the former Ba'ath regime, which enforced Arabisation policies and forced displacement. This year’s census represents a historic opportunity to assert the true identity of Khanaqin and its surrounding areas. The census will also help determine the allocation of the governorates' budgets and their representation in government, so I urge citizens to return to their home regions to safeguard the future for generations to come."

 

The Iraqi Parliament Oversees the Process

Sabah al-Sheikh Habib, a member of the Iraqi parliament from Kirkuk Governorate, reiterated the call for people in Kirkuk and other disputed areas to return to their homes and participate in the census. He explained that the census would play a crucial role in determining the allocation of seats in the Iraqi parliament, as well as the budget and job quotas for each region.

Al-Sheikh Habib further stated: "As members of the parliament, we are carefully monitoring the census process and have worked to resolve any issues or obstacles that have arisen in recent days." He noted that residents of Kirkuk are enthusiastic about the census and eager to preserve the identity of their homeland.

The 2024 General Population and Housing Census in Iraq, scheduled for November 20-21, will be the country’s first census since 1997. Over 120,000 enumerators will be deployed across Iraq, with each family being asked more than 70 questions. A nationwide curfew will be enforced and citizens must remain in their homes to ensure their information is recorded accurately during the census.



PUKMEDIA