Kurdistan is now the region of cancer
By Kurdia- Journalist
The ongoing saga of illegal refineries in Kurdistan is a glaring example of corruption and negligence, and the consequences are dire. Despite repeated promises, these illegal operations continue, contributing to a dramatic rise in cancer cases across the region.
A Crisis of Unchecked Pollution
Illegal refineries have been allowed to operate with impunity, releasing toxic emissions that have made Erbil one of the dirtiest cities in the world. In just eight years, cancer rates in the region have skyrocketed by 300%. Erbil, which now surpasses Sulaimani as the city with the highest number of cancer cases, registers approximately 50 new cases daily, a significant increase from just 12 per day in 2016.
The Root of the Problem
Kurdistan’s environment is under siege. With around 200 illegal refineries—138 in Erbil, 31 in Duhok, and 26 in Sulaimani—combined with 2.5 million vehicles and 6,000 generators, the air, water, and soil are being poisoned at an alarming rate. The vast majority of those afflicted with cancer live near these refineries, which operate outside of any environmental protection guidelines.
Deceptive Promises and Continued Pollution
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made several public declarations to close these refineries, yet they remain operational. Recently, the governor of Erbil reiterated this decision, but investigations reveal that no action has been taken. Even more alarming is the fact that the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to sell crude oil to these illegal operations, contradicting their public stance and exacerbating the pollution crisis.
The True Cost of Corruption
The actions of the KRG reveal a disturbing reality: the illegal refineries, and the pollution they produce, are protected and even facilitated by those in power. This corruption not only endangers the environment but also the health and lives of Kurdistan’s citizens. The KRG’s failure to act—and its complicity in the continuation of these illegal activities—demonstrates a government more interested in profit than in protecting its people.
A Region in Decline
According to the Ministry of Health, 82,000 cancer cases have been registered in Kurdistan over the past decade, with 9,600 cases in 2022 alone. The surge in cancer rates is directly linked to the pollution from these illegal refineries and the widespread environmental degradation they cause. Yet, instead of taking meaningful action, the KRG continues to deceive the public, selling crude oil to these refineries while pretending to shut them down.
A Call for Accountability
The situation in Kurdistan is critical, and the KRG’s response has been nothing short of disastrous. The government must be held accountable for the ongoing environmental crisis and the resulting health epidemic. Without immediate and decisive action to close these illegal refineries and address the pollution crisis, the future of Kurdistan and its people remains in grave danger.