Arizona – January 31, 2025 – Gingi Hadi, Vice President of USA Global Human Rights , has issued a strong statement condemning the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its failure to pay employees, leading to economic hardship and growing unrest in the region.
Gingi Hadi expressed deep concern over the government’s ongoing neglect of workers’ rights, emphasizing that failure to provide fair wages violates fundamental human rights and international labor standards.
“The people of Kurdistan are suffering. Hardworking employees have not been paid, while the government continues to neglect their basic rights. This is unacceptable.
The people of Kurdistan deserve better—fair wages, dignity, and a government that serves them, not one that exploits them,” said Hadi.
She stressed that USA Global Human Rights stands in full solidarity with the protesters and workers who are demanding their rightful wages. She also warned that the organization will not remain silent while the crisis worsens.
“We stand with the protesters and will not stay silent while injustice continues. The government must take responsibility and ensure that workers receive their rightful earnings. It is your duty to pay the people what they are owed. Do what is right—because the future of Kurdistan depends on it.”
Economic and Social Impact of the Crisis
The crisis of unpaid salaries has reached a critical level, leading to widespread demonstrations by employees across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and public services. Many workers have gone months without their salaries, pushing families into severe financial distress, increasing poverty, and weakening essential public services.
Reports from civil society organizations indicate that the financial hardship is forcing families to pull their children out of school, increasing homelessness, and limiting access to healthcare due to unpaid wages in the medical sector. The economic crisis is further exacerbating instability in the region, leading to a loss of public trust in government institutions.
International Human Rights Standards and Government Accountability
USA Global Human Rights reminds the Kurdistan government that failing to pay employees violates international labor laws, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Iraq is a party. Governments are obligated to protect workers’ rights, provide fair compensation, and ensure basic economic security.
Gingi Hadi urged international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the situation and increase pressure on the Kurdistan government to fulfill its obligations.
“We call on the international community to stand with the people of Kurdistan and demand urgent action from the government. The world must not turn a blind eye to this crisis. It is time for accountability.”
Demands to the Kurdistan Government
USA Global Human Rights is calling on the Kurdistan Regional Government to take immediate action by:
1. Paying all outstanding salaries to public sector employees without delay.
2. Providing transparency on government finances and salary disbursement.
3. Ensuring fair wages and labor rights for all workers in line with international human rights standards.
4. Engaging in dialogue with workers and civil society organizations to address grievances and prevent further unrest.
Failure to act will only deepen the crisis, further destabilize the region, and violate the basic rights of the people.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gingi Hadi
Vice President, USA Global Human Rights
USAGHR
U.S. GHR 