Peregraf - Senior Iraqi and Kurdish leaders used their Easter messages on Sunday to emphasize coexistence, religious tolerance, and the protection of minority communities, as the country’s Christian population continues to recover from decades of conflict and displacement.
In a statement marking the holiday, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid extended congratulations to Christians in Iraq and abroad, expressing hope that Easter would bring "goodness, peace, and tranquility." He described the occasion as a reflection of "love, tolerance, and brotherhood," adding that these values remain central to Iraqi society.
President Rashid also highlighted the historical role of Christians in Iraq, calling them "an integral part of our diverse national fabric" whose contributions have shaped the country’s civilization and culture. He expressed hope for continued stability and security across Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani echoed those sentiments, reaffirming support for "preserving the cultural and civilizational diversity that distinguishes our beloved country." His remarks come as Iraq continues efforts to rebuild communities affected by years of violence, particularly during the period of Islamic State control over parts of the country.
Iraq’s Christian population has declined sharply over the past two decades. According to the Iraq’s Human Rights Commission, about 250,000 Christians remained in the country as of 2021, down from an estimated 1.5 million before 2003. The commission reported that between 2003 and 2017, at least 1,315 Christians were killed, 130,000 displaced, and 161 kidnapped, including during the occupation of Mosul by ISIS.
Leaders in the Kurdistan Region, which has become a refuge for many displaced Christians, also underscored themes of coexistence.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani described the Kurdistan Region as "a beacon of coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance," saying Christians remain "an essential and integral part" of its society.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani similarly reaffirmed a commitment to "peace and the protection of all our communities," pointing to what officials describe as the region’s longstanding culture of religious and ethnic diversity.
Cities in the Kurdistan Region, particularly Erbil and Duhok, have emerged as key centers for Iraq’s Christian population following waves of migration from other parts of the country.
Easter, one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion and is widely observed by Christian communities across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.