Washington DC, USA (us.gov.krd) –Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the Kurdistan Regional Government  Representative, and a delegation from the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs and Kurdistan Region Presidency, met with the Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) on February 3, 2023, to discuss  religious freedom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 

The Kurdistani delegation had a productive exchange with Steve Bitner, Director of the Iraq Desk, and other colleagues at the State Department’s NEA bureau and religious freedom section. They discussed freedom of belief and peaceful coexistence in Kurdistan, legal challenges, and aid for the victims of genocide. They also noted the importance of implementing the Yezidi Survivor's Law, the Sinjar Agreement, and other steps that can alleviate the situation for the Yezidis. 

Ms. Abdul Rahman said that the delegation appreciated the opportunity to discuss important issues related to religious freedom with the US Department of State. She emphasized that the KRG is committed to protecting religious minorities and promoting their rights in the region.

The meeting was a significant opportunity for both sides to discuss the challenges facing ethnic and religious  minorities and to reaffirm their commitment to working together to further enhance peaceful coexistence in Kurdistan.