Kurdistan Regional Government
Representation in Italy
On December 11, Minister Falah Mustafa and his delegation traveled to the University of Perugia to participate in the conference "The Experience of Human Rights of Syrian and Christian Refugees in Kurdistan," as the keynote speaker.
Minister Falah was welcomed by Professor Giorgio Bonamente, Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy at the University of Perugia, who expressed to the Minister his desire to strengthen relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, following up on the agreement with Salahaddin University.
The conference was opened by the former Pro-Rector of the University of Perugia, Professor Antonio Pieretti, and featured academics and representatives of the Umbria Region, as well as numerous students.
Iraqi Kurdistan plays a key geopolitical role and must be seen as a successful example of respect for human rights in order to achieve democratic, and not just economic, progress.
Minister Falah Mustafa stated that human rights are the window through which to communicate with the international community. Achieving democracy is not an easy or immediate path. The country recently freed itself from a dictatorial regime that brought serious consequences.
The Government is currently committed to addressing not only the situation of its persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in the rest of Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, but also the phenomenon of displaced Syrians in the region, to whom it is offering shelter and assistance.
The commitment of the entire international community is necessary to restore peace in Syria, and the Geneva Conference will be an excellent opportunity for discussion. This is a shared responsibility, a duty from which no one can shirk.
The Kurdish people have been the victims of marginalization, persecution, and brutal crimes for years, and for this reason the Government is working to strengthen international relations as much as possible while respecting ethnic and religious diversity. Evidence of this is the relationship with Turkey that is currently based on excellent political, economic, and commercial exchanges.
The Minister's remarks were followed by those of the Vice President of the Regional Council, Dr. Lignani Marchesani, who emphasized the importance of valuing diverse experiences and recognizing that there is a Kurdish nation that is providing a valuable lesson in democracy and respect for human rights and deserves international support at all levels.
The conference concluded with thanks from Dr. Kader, High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Italy, who described Kurdistan as a mosaic of different ethnic groups and religions living together in peace and mutual respect. The Kurdistan Region is open to anyone who wishes to visit and make a concrete contribution to maintaining peace and stability.