Kurdish Community in the UK Protests in Solidarity with Hunger-Striking Teachers in Kurdistan
The ongoing hunger strike of teachers in Kurdistan has entered its 11th day, with over 13 educators refusing food to demand their rights. The teachers, who have long faced delays in salary payments, are calling for their dignity to be respected and for the Baghdad government to take over salary distribution, citing a lack of trust in the Kurdish government.
In response, the Kurdish community in the UK has mobilized to show solidarity. The Dakok Support Centre, under the Committee of Dakok for Freedom Rights, in collaboration with 17 Shubat Organization, organized demonstrations in major cities across the UK. Protesters gathered to voice their support for the teachers and to call on the Kurdish authorities to address their demands.
Kurdfile Media covered the demonstrations and interviewed several participants, who expressed deep concern over the teachers’ suffering. Protesters emphasized that education is a cornerstone of society and that teachers should not be forced into such extreme measures to secure their basic rights.
The Kurdish government’s ongoing failure to ensure timely salary payments has fueled frustration among teachers and public sector workers. Many have lost faith in local authorities and are now urging Baghdad to intervene.
As the hunger strike continues, pressure is mounting on Kurdish leaders to respond. Advocates stress the urgency of the situation, warning that prolonged inaction could lead to further instability in the region. The international Kurdish diaspora, particularly in the UK, has vowed to continue raising awareness until the teachers demands are met.