Iraq: Information on the treatment of Christians in Iraqi Kurdistan, i.e., the safe haven, where Saddam's forces have been forbidden to enter by the United Nations
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 1996 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRQ25099.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iraq: Information on the treatment of Christians in Iraqi Kurdistan, i.e., the safe haven, where Saddam's forces have been forbidden to enter by the United Nations, 1 October 1996, IRQ25099.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaf728.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of Middle East Watch in Washington, DC, is not aware of any specific problem for Christians in the safe haven area (16 Oct. 1996a). Another Middle East Watch representative added that Christians have been given a few seats in the Kurdish parliament that has been set up in the safe haven (16 Oct. 1996b).
Describing the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan following the recent capture of Arbil by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces, the attached Middle East International article refers to the presence of political parties, including Assyrian parties, in the safe haven, and the membership of Assyrians in the new Kurdish regional cabinet (4 Oct. 1996, 15).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Middle East Watch, Washington, DC. 16 October 1996a. Telephone interview with representative.
_____. 16 October 1996b. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachment
Middle East Watch [London]. 4 October 1996. No. 535. Karen Dabrowska. "Barzani Beset with Problems." (NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
Amnesty International country file (Iraq). 1991-96.
Amnesty International Report. 1992-96.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.1991-96.
Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports. 1991-96.
Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. 1991-96.
The Middle East [London]. 1993-96.
Middle East International [London]. 1993-96.
News from Middle East Watch [New York]. 1991-96.
On-line search of news articles.
Two oral sources contacted did not provide information on the above-mentioned subject.