Iraq – The Iraqi Turkmen Front reported that it had observed violations before the start of the population census, which begins today in the country and continues tomorrow, Thursday, in which families were brought from outside Kirkuk Governorate to register.
The Front confirmed in a statement yesterday, Tuesday, that it is closely following population census developments in Kirkuk Governorate in particular.
She talked about bringing hundreds of families from the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, to register them in Kirkuk records, on the eve of the start of the population census.
She pointed out that the checkpoints at the entrances to Kirkuk from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are witnessing heavy traffic congestion, stressing that it has been verified that the arriving families are not residents of the governorate.
The “Turkmen Front” warned that this step “aims to change the true identity and demographic composition of Kirkuk.”
She also stressed that the Turkmen of Iraq will not remain spectators in the face of such developments, calling on the Iraqi Federal Court and the central government to take the necessary measures regarding this matter.
Iraq is preparing to conduct a general population census on November 20 and 21, without asking citizens questions about their race or sect.
The last population census was conducted in Iraq in 1997, and at that time it did not include 3 governorates in the northern Iraqi region, and it included questions that revealed the ethnic and religious characteristics of the population.
The Iraqi government decided not to include questions related to ethnic and sectarian affiliation in the upcoming population census, “to avoid any division within society consisting of different components.”
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How can collaboration between the Iraqi government and international organizations like the UNFPA ensure a transparent and fair census process?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Al-Salih, Political Analyst and Expert on Iraqi Demographics**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Al-Salih. Today marks a significant day in Iraq as the country begins its first national population and household census in over three decades, backed by the UNFPA. However, we also hear reports from the Iraqi Turkmen Front about observed violations prior to the census. How do you view the significance of this census amidst these concerns?
**Dr. Al-Salih:** Thank you for having me. The commencement of this census is indeed a historic moment for Iraq, providing a much-needed opportunity to gather comprehensive data that can inform development policies and address the needs of various populations across the country. However, the concerns raised by the Iraqi Turkmen Front about potential violations cannot be overlooked. They indicate that there may be issues regarding representation and fairness in the census process, which are critical for ensuring that the resulting data is both accurate and trustworthy.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on what these violations might entail, and why they are particularly concerning for ethnic minority groups?
**Dr. Al-Salih:** The violations reported by the Iraqi Turkmen Front may include misclassification of individuals, lack of access to certain communities, or intimidation against those trying to participate. For ethnic minorities like the Turkmen, these issues are particularly alarming as they could lead to underrepresentation in governmental planning and resource allocation. Accurate census data is vital for these groups to advocate for their needs and to ensure that they receive appropriate political representation.
**Editor:** How might the government and the UNFPA address these concerns to ensure a fair and unbiased census process?
**Dr. Al-Salih:** It’s essential that the government, in collaboration with organizations like the UNFPA, engages with local communities, particularly minority groups, to address their concerns. This could include more transparent communication about the process, additional training for census workers on cultural sensitivity, and mechanisms for grievances to be reported and addressed. Ensuring that all communities feel safe and represented during the census is critical for its legitimacy and the trustworthiness of the outcomes.
**Editor:** what implications could arise from this census for Iraq’s future development and stability?
**Dr. Al-Salih:** The implications could be profound. A well-conducted census will provide the government with the necessary data to identify population needs and prioritize development resources effectively. It can aid in economic planning, health services allocation, and educational funding. Conversely, if significant portions of the population feel excluded or misrepresented, it could exacerbate existing tensions and undermine the trust needed for national cohesion and stability. This census is, therefore, not just about numbers—it’s about the social fabric of Iraq itself.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Salih, for your insights on this crucial topic. As Iraq embarks on this census, it is imperative for all voices to be heard and respected to ensure a brighter future for all its citizens.
