Striking Teachers and Employees in Sulaymaniyah Persist in Protest Amid Harsh Winter Conditions
Peregraf
On the twelfth consecutive day, striking teachers and public sector employees in Sulaymaniyah continue their protest despite freezing temperatures and snowfall. Their demonstration, driven by demands for the disbursement of overdue salaries and financial reforms, has now escalated into a dangerous standoff as strikers refuse medical treatment.
A striking teacher, Dilshad Baban, has suffered deteriorating health conditions due to the prolonged protest and has been hospitalized twice in the past two days. Despite these alarming developments, the strikers remain resolute in their demands, stating that they are willing to end their strike only if Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) promise to meet their demands within a specified timeframe and disburse December 2024 salaries as a sign of good faith. Otherwise, they vow to continue their protest "without treatment until death."
Protest Intensifies as Strikers Reject Medical Aid
After ten days of hunger strike, the protesters have taken a drastic step by refusing medical treatment. Declaring “Either death or an answer to our demands,” the teachers and employees on strike have escalated their demonstration, further heightening concerns over their well-being.
Dr. Sabah Hawrami, director of the Sulaymaniyah Health Directorate, has warned of severe health risks if the protesters persist in rejecting medical care. “A new phase will begin for the strikers today. They will lose weight, and all their body organs will become weak,” he stated, urging them to reconsider their decision.
Demands and Ongoing Dispute with the KRG
The striking teachers and public employees are advocating for the implementation of Iraq’s salary domicilization program, known as “Tawteen,” while opposing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) "My Account" digital salary system. Furthermore, they demand that Baghdad be allowed to directly disburse their salaries without any interference from the KRG.
The government’s lack of response has further fuelled the frustration among the strikers, with growing concerns over the economic crisis and potential disruption of public services in the Kurdistan Region.
International Appeal and Growing Public Support
In an effort to gain broader attention, a coalition of educators and government employees has been staging a sit-in outside the United Nations office in Sulaymaniyah for the past twelve days, urging international organizations to intervene. At least twelve individuals among the protesters have initiated a hunger strike, surviving only on water, tea, and coffee, as their health continues to deteriorate.
Protest representatives have called on the public to join future demonstrations, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing salary crisis. However, with no commitment from the KRG, the situation remains dire, and the protests show no signs of abating.
As the strike enters its twelfth day, the resilience of the demonstrators underscores the deepening financial and administrative crisis in the Kurdistan Region, with urgent calls for action growing louder.