The Department of Media and Information of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) released a report exposing ongoing violations and obstacles to implementing Article 140, including casualties, property destruction, and demographic changes since 2005. Despite international advice and legal rulings, the report warns that the issue remains unresolved, affecting Kurdish identity and rights.

The department said on Monday that the report "confirms that Article 140 is not just a constitutional text but a matter of residency, history, and national identity.”

The article is a constitutional provision designed to normalize the status of disputed territories between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, like Kirkuk, Mosul, Diyala, and Salahaddin.

From 1968 to 2003, these areas underwent significant demographic shifts due to policies by the former Iraqi regime. During this period, Kurds were displaced and replaced by Arab settlers (non-local Arabs).

The comprehensive document "exposes the legal and human rights violations committed against Kurds in those areas.”

October 16, 2017: Triggering a Humanitarian and Administrative Crisis

The report stated that the events of October 16, 2017, were more than a military shift—they triggered a humanitarian and administrative crisis, especially in Dohuk, with the following stats:

• Humanitarian Casualties: The incident resulted in 15 civilian fatalities and 115 individuals sustaining injuries.
• Looting Incidents: A total of 3,150 residences belonging to Kurdish citizens were unlawfully looted.
• Destruction of Property: Approximately 530 Kurdish residences and commercial establishments were destroyed by burning or explosions, including 21 factories and educational institutions.
• Displacement Figures: Over 53,000 residents have been displaced from the district due to the prevailing circumstances.

"White Arabization" Strategy in Kirkuk and Shingal

The document highlighted a new strategy called “White Arabization,” aimed at changing the area's identity through “Administrative Arabization.”

This involves swapping out 10 senior administrative posts in Kirkuk and Shingal (Sinjar), replacing Kurdish officials with other groups to solidify Arab dominance.

Additionally, the plan includes reviving Ba'ath-era land contracts and bringing Arab settlers into Kurdish lands in Kirkuk, Daquq, and Sargaran.

There are also efforts to shift the cultural landscape by transferring the food traditions and identity of thousands of Arab families into Kirkuk, further consolidating their presence in the region.

Iraq Spent ‘Zero Dinars’ on Article 140 Despite Large Budget

The report revealed that despite a large budget for victims’ compensation, the Iraqi government allocated “zero dinars” for Article 140 from 2014 to 2021. “The total amount spent over 20 years ($2.08 trillion) is very low compared to the scale of the damages and the 118,000 cases awaiting resolution.”

UNAMI Recommendations Ignored:

The department further noted, "The report highlights that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) had several recommendations and reports between 2007 and 2017, but they were not implemented.”

Federal Court Upholds Article 140 Until Referendum

The report also mentioned Federal Court decisions No. 113 of 2017 and 71 of 2019, which prevented legal efforts to repeal Article 140 and reaffirmed that the article remains in effect until the final phase, the referendum, is carried out.