Transparency and democracy in Kurdish Regional Government

Early day motion 1288, tabled 16 December 2020 by Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party). Signed by 10 members.

That this house notes the recent week of demonstrations and public outcry over the high unemployment rate in the Kurdish Region; notes that state employees have not been paid their salaries for months; recognises that protesters are angry over allegations of corruption concerning the dominant political parties affiliated to two powerful families, the ruling Barzani family of the western provinces holds the regional premiership through its Kurdistan Democratic party, while the Talabani family of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party controls the east; notes the continuing protests over the management of oil revenues; further notes the coronavirus lockdown has escalated the negative impact on the economy and living conditions have deteriorated as a result; is concerned about the level of state violence and that at least eight protesters have been killed in Iraq's Kurdistan by security forces and that the authorities imposed curfews; notes that Kurdish Security forces raided broadcasters affiliated with political opposition parties and have been taken off air; notes that the UNs political mission in Iraq condemns the acts of violence; believes that this is a hugely worrying situation for the region and is deeply concerned over attacks on freedom of expression that undermines the rights of people protesting freely to have their democratic will; is further concerned over allegations of corruption and continuing austerity; supports calls for a solution to pay public sector employees; and calls on the Foreign Secretary to express those concerns and support calls for transparency and accountability in the region with his Kurdish Regional Government counterpart as a matter of urgency.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 7, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.