Kurdish Political Activists Meet UK MP to Highlight Concerns Over Iraq and Kurdistan Region
A UK-based Kurdish human rights group has met with a British MP to discuss concerns about political instability and human rights in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Members of the 17 Shubat Organization for Human Rights Karmand Haji Akoi, Sarkawt Yousif Mahmood, and Shalaw Ahmed Mohammed met with Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield, on [12/09/2025].
The group raised several issues during the meeting, including the lack of accountability in the Iraqi and Kurdish Regional Governments, the impunity of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in disputed territories such as Kirkuk, ongoing restrictions on press freedom, and the economic strain on citizens caused by irregular government salary payments.
“Human rights are being eroded daily in Iraq and Kurdistan,” said Karmand Haji Akoi. “Journalists are silenced, activists are detained, and citizens live without basic protections. For example, Sherwan Sherwani of Badinan journalists was recently sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment after having already served his prior sentence, with his release blocked by corrupt Kurdish government leaders. Cases like this show how the system fails to uphold justice and freedom of expression.”
“The situation in Kirkuk and other disputed areas is particularly alarming,” said Sarkawt Yousif Mahmood. “The PMF is operating beyond the law, intimidating local communities and undermining stability. Kirkuk has become a symbol of lawlessness, and urgent international action is needed to protect civilians.”
“Economic hardship is destroying people’s dignity,” added Shalaw Ahmed Mohammed. “Teachers, doctors, and public employees go months without salaries, while corruption and mismanagement deepen inequality. This is not only an economic crisis — it is a social injustice that is tearing communities apart.”
The delegation described the meeting as an important step in raising awareness in the UK about the political and human rights challenges faced by people in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The 17 Shubat Organisation, works to promote accountability, democracy, and human rights in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.