Teachers and government employees began this month with a hunger strike outside of the UN office in Sulemani. They were demanding that the government pay them their wages and asking for UN and international support. Since 2014, government employees have not been paid properly while the Kurdistan and Iraqi governments argue over oil revenue.
We visited the protestors, tried to amplify their demands, worried about their health and eventually celebrated with them and hundreds of other supporters when they decided to pause their hunger strike and seek other ways of demanding change.
After 15 days the Iraqi government had promised to establish a committee to try and resolve the issue. This seemed like a stalling tactic, rather than actually paying them the money they were owed and needed, but other activists, concerned for their failing health, begged them to accept it for the time being.
The failure of payment for months of work has caused problems throughout society: a strain on family relationships, children unable to afford to continue their education and a decline in trust in public institutions.
The hunger strikers received a great deal of public support. Kurdish people were clearly energised by their courageous attempt at changing society for the better. We spoke to one woman who had joined the many hundreds of visiting supporters. With tears in her eyes, she told us “They are sacrificing for all teachers, for everyone’s rights”
We ask you to pray for people in Iraqi Kurdistan and around the world to receive fair wages for their labour. We pray that all labour is equally valued, that everyone receives what they need, and is enabled to contribute to the best of their abilities. We pray that people continue to find creative non-violent ways to struggle for their rights.
Read more about the hunger strike: “They are sacrificing for all teachers, for everyone’s rights”.
