ReliefWeb

Baghdad, 28 March 2018 –UNAMI expresses concerns about reports of security forces using excessive force against demonstrators in the Kurdistan Region.

The right to peacefully protest is a fundamental human right and is a cornerstone of democracy. It is one of the important ways that are available to the public to express their opinion. The authorities are, therefore, responsible for ensuring that this right is respected and protected and that the citizens are allowed to exercise it in safety and dignity, while protecting law and order.

The public is equally responsible for ensuring that this right is exercised responsibly and lawfully, by refraining from violence and the destruction of public and private property.

UNAMI welcomes the announcement by the Kurdistan Region authorities that these allegations will be investigated.

For more information, please contact: Mr. Khalid Dahab, Deputy Director of Public Information/Deputy Spokesperson, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Phone: +964 790 194 0146, Email: dahab@un.org

or the UNAMI Public Information Office: unami-information@un.org