Since 2005, the Iraqi government has recognised the autonomy of the Kurdistan region. Specifically, the capital city of Kurdistan is Erbil and is endowed with a local parliament. Moreover, after the drama of the war against ISIS that devastated the area, Kurdistan has been engaged in rebuilding its territory. Hence, Pope Francis' recent visit to the region has strengthened individuals’ determination to build a more inclusive society, which protects the rights of all ethnic and religious members. It is a point that will be further explored in the drafting of the future regional constitution.
This was the background in which the delegation of parliamentarians from Iraqi Kurdistan visited the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome and Brussels. The aim was to discuss the situation in the region and, in particular, the coexistence between the different ethnic and religious groups. It is an issue that will also be addressed in the upcoming drafting of the constitution of the autonomous region of Kurdistan.
The delegates discussed with the Community of Sant'Egidio the topics of protecting the rights of all citizens and the different cultural and religious traditions in the region. They even focused on the subject of inter religious dialogue, which is essential for peaceful coexistence in the area.
Furthermore, Kurdistan’s delegation also met with the representatives of the Holy See and the Italian Foreign Ministry.
In the end, the meetings were also held in Belgium. Specifically, the envoys of the Parliament of Wallonia, the Belgian Foreign Ministry, and the European Union even participated in the conference
