KG Lobby Center
Thank you, Madame Chair. I speak today on behalf of the Kurdish people, one of the largest people in
the world still denied full recognition of their rights under international law. Indigenous people and
minorities are not merely cultural symbols, they are central to the economic social cultural and political
fabric of society. The Kurdish experience demonstrates this clearly. Despite decades of oppression
Kurds have made significant contribution in agriculture education commerce and the arts. The
Kurdistan Regional Government shows how inclusive governance enables nations to prosper and
contributes to regional stability. The KRG governs a diverse Kurdish population with different religions
such as Yazidis Christians Sunnis Shiites and others. Through reserved parliamentary seats it
guarantees participation for all, fostering cohesion and accountable governance. Moreover, the
Kurdish Peshmerga forces have not only defended Kurdish land but have safeguarded the world form
ISIS protecting vulnerable religious communities from genocide. However, we still carry the scars of
brutal atrocities ladies and gentlemen, including the Feyli genocide the Barzani genocide, the Anfal
Campaign, chemical attack, and the genocide committed by ISIS. Justice for these crimes remains
incomplete and survivors continue to wait for truth recognition and reparations. It is essential that the
United Nations acknowledge that Kurds like all indigenous people are vital to global stability. We urge
the UN to uphold the principles of self-determination and inclusive governance for Kurds as reflected
in the ICCPR and to protect the achievements of the KRG through legal guarantees, equal access to
services, and support for cultural and linguistic rights. International partnership is key to ensuring that
all communities can thrive with dignity. In closure, without recognition there will be no protection, as
Ms. Ogana said. Thank you.