rbil, Kurdistan Region, May 9, 2024

President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya during their meeting in Erbil on Thursday afternoon.

In the meeting, attended by the US Ambassador to Iraq and several US State Department representatives, the focus was on safeguarding human rights, advancing democracy, and upholding freedoms in the Kurdistan Region. The conversation also touched upon the significance of NGOs in society, as well as the conditions for refugees and local populations.

Both parties engaged in a constructive dialogue regarding various observations and deficiencies in the domains of human rights and freedoms. They agreed on the importance of ongoing collaboration between their respective stakeholders to enhance these aspects. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their dedication to fostering shared values and safeguarding the rights of ethnic and religious communities.

Under Secretary Zeya conveyed her gratitude for the culture of coexistence, tolerance, and pluralism in the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the willingness of relevant parties to support the region in advancing human rights, freedoms, democracy, and rule of law, and recognized the Kurdistan Region as a valuable partner of the United States.

The meeting also addressed the plight of the Yezidis and emphasized the significance of implementing the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Iraqi Government to normalize the situation in Sinjar. Furthermore, the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, the voluntary return of the refugees, and the well-being of those living in camps were discussed as well.