For the first time in 17 years parliamentary and presidential elections will be held Saturday in Iraqi Kurdistan, providing a new chance to improve Kurdistan’s problematic human rights situation. Kurdish Human Rights Project’s Deputy Director Rachel Bernu comments.

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Has the Kurdish government done enough over the last years to tackle human rights abuses such as violence and discrimination against women, arbitrary detention, torture and violations of the freedom of expression, and what do you consider the greatest human rights challenges for the KRG?

“Despite many positive developments over the past years, human rights violations remain a fact of everyday life in the KRG. During recent fact-finding visits to the region, KHRP mission members have heard consistent reports of abuses including arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, unfair trials, violence and discrimination against women, and violations of freedom of expression.

“Another major concern for KHRP are the ongoing cross-border operations carried out in KRG territory by the Turkish and Iranian militaries, which continue to have an appalling impact on the lives of civilians living in the border areas. KHRP is currently involved in eight cases before the European Court of Human Rights involving 81 applicants who have been injured, have lost property or family members, or have suffered in other ways as a consequence of these attacks.

“KHRP is also deeply concerned about the failure to resolve the status of Kirkuk and other ‘disputed areas’, which continues to exacerbate weaknesses in the rule of law and protection of the human rights of those living in these areas.”

Does the human rights issue in the KRG play an important role during the elections?

“Since the fall of the Ba’athist regime in 2003, there has been a great deal of positive change in Kurdistan from the point of view of the economy, security and democracy.

But the KRG authorities still really need to ensure long-term, sustainable improvements in the human rights situation. The international community has to support this aim, something which until now has been severely lacking. Corruption and human rights, especially women’s rights, have to be tackled. Establishing effective mechanisms for redress is also important.”

Do you expect human rights to be respected during the elections?

“It is KHRP’s sincere hope that particular efforts will be made to ensure protection of human rights in the run up to and during the elections, especially freedom of expression and freedom of association. There is a real sense of optimism. These elections should represent a milestone in the KRG’s progress towards a prosperous and democratic future.”

Is there free press coverage of the elections?

“Compared to the situation in other parts of Iraq, journalists in the KRG are able to work in relative safety. A small but assertive independent media has emerged since 2003. Nevertheless there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring freedom of expression in the region.

“KHRP missions have heard consistent reports of harassment, detention and prosecution, as well as violent attacks, against  journalists who speak out on issues such as corruption and human rights abuses, and who challenge certain cultural norms, particularly in relation to women’s rights. The fact that the majority of media outlets remain allied with the main political parties is a particular concern in the run-up to the elections.”