The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) should be proud of its reputation as a guardian of minorities, providing at-risk groups with security and shelter. However, despite its rich social tapestry, the political system within the KRI does not reflect its diversity. In order to give minorities a stronger voice in the KRI, this diverse ethno-religious constituency requires true representation in governance and civic life.
Currently eleven members of Parliament represent minorities (5 Turkmen and 6 Christian Chaldo-Assyrians), but they are only involved in crafting laws without real influence in decision-making and implementation processes in the Kurdistan Regional Government. One way to begin building upon existing mechanisms and ensure shared ownership of the system of governance would be via the establishment of two councils: one for ethnic minorities to represent Turkmen, Arabs, Assyrians, Chaldeans and Armenians, and another for religious minorities to represent Yezidis, Christians, Kaka’is, Zoroastrians, Mandaeans and Baha’is. Both councils should be integral parts of both the Parliament and the Government to guarantee them influence over the decision-making process at the highest legislative and executive levels.
Building the confidence of minority groups in the KRI’s system of governance would ensure not only lasting stability and acceptance, but the preservation of the area’s vibrant and rich social tapestry as well. Importantly, the future stability of the KRI, Iraq and the Middle East as a whole, is affected by the extent to which rule-of-law is implemented and human rights are provided and protected. Therefore, the formation of Minority Councils must be enshrined within the constitution to guarantee their participation in the process of legislation, implementation and monitoring.
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About MERI: The Middle East Research Institute (MERI) is internationally ranked as Iraq’s leading think tank and policy research institute. As an independent, non-profit, grant-funded organisation, MERI advances evidence-based policymaking, democratic governance, and sustainable development through research, policy analysis, dialogue, and public engagement. MERI’s research focuses on Iraq, the Levant and the wider Middle East, covering governance, state-building, foreign policy, regional security, post-conflict recovery, violent extremism, displacement, minority rights, women’s rights, civil society, Baghdad–Erbil relations, and broader geopolitical developments. Through its publications, policy dialogues, and the annual MERI Forum, MERI brings together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and civil society leaders to promote informed debate and practical policy solutions for the region’s most pressing challenges.