Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) – Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, on Monday, March 15, briefed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in a virtual meeting that began with an appreciation for the historic visit of Pope Francis to Kurdistan and Iraq.

Ms. Abdul Rahman outlined the Pope’s visit and the warm welcome that he received, especially when celebrating mass with thousands of people at a stadium in Erbil. She also discussed some of the humanitarian, economic, and security challenges facing Kurdistan and Iraq.
She thanked USCIRF chairwoman Gayle Manchin and commissioners and staff of the commission for their attention to the state of freedom to believe and worship in countries around the world, particularly the Middle East, where many minorities have faced persecution.

Commissioners noted the peaceful coexistence of people of various faiths and ethnic backgrounds in the Kurdistan Region and the fact that it remains a refuge for people who fled conflict and persecution.