Regionalism in Iraq: A Human Rights Challenge Amidst Internal Migration and Social Tensions

Regionalism: A New Crisis in Iraq and Warnings of Hate Speech

The Iraqi province of Karbala is experiencing a new wave of internal migration due to the political crisis affecting the country, which has rapidly impacted the economic and living conditions of vulnerable groups and the poor. This situation has sparked calls for “regionalism,” demanding restrictions on newcomers to the city.

Karbala, one of Iraq's main religious cities, consistently witnesses significant economic activity due to its religious shrines and the influx of vast numbers of visitors each year, along with internal movement and weekly visits by citizens.

This commercial activity attracts unemployed individuals and impoverished groups from neighboring provinces, including the southern city of Nasiriyah, driving many residents to migrate internally to Karbala or even to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Political Crisis

Despite this migration existing for years, it has surged in recent months due to the political crisis and the absence of a financial budget for 2022, exacerbating the suffering of many residents in these areas. They have begun seeking other employment opportunities, compounded by the effects of drought and desertification on rural populations, who have also migrated to Karbala.

A local government official in Karbala stated that the city receives about 6,000 families annually from various cities across the country, leading to the establishment of approximately 70 informal settlements. This influx puts pressure on infrastructure, such as electricity, job opportunities, and health services, especially since the city’s budget has remained unchanged.

The official added that the current direction in the city is to regulate this migration, explore ways to benefit from it, and request the federal government to increase Karbala's budget, along with the urgent need to legislate several laws to address these new changes.

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has decided to halt the transfer of residents to Karbala in an effort to reduce the number of migrants to the city.

This issue has sparked widespread debate on social media, with mixed opinions, especially after the representative from Karbala, Diaa Al-Hindi, launched a broad campaign to stop this migration, which has drawn severe criticism for allegedly inciting “regional grievances” and promoting hate speech and intolerance.

A Threat to Society

An expert on Iraqi affairs noted that the rise of regional discourse poses a threat to Iraqi society, stating that it is unreasonable for a community that has managed to overcome nationalism and sectarianism to now fall into the traps of regional discrimination among citizens of the same country.

He added that this problem can only be resolved through economic avenues, providing dignified and permanent job opportunities in Iraq's poorest cities, which are often neglected by governments, emphasizing that every Iraqi has the right to live in any city without facing discrimination.

The Iraqi constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to move, travel, and reside within Iraq and beyond.

Hate Speech

A social researcher believes that public engagement in criticizing this phenomenon will negatively affect social cohesion and warns of escalating hate speech and the promotion of regionalism and intolerance, especially in the absence of genuine solutions to this issue, compounded by larger crises such as climate change and rising poverty rates in Iraq.

The Iraqi researcher pointed out that political blocs bear part of the responsibility for this problem, as they have failed to form a new government that would advance the economy, noting that the reasons for this migration include unemployment and worsening desertification in villages and rural areas, prompting farmers to move to cities to pursue other jobs.

Migrants to religious cities like Najaf, Karbala, and even Baghdad often engage in professions such as retail for visitors, driving small vehicles (tuk-tuks) to transport tourists, and selling water or tea, among other activities.

Karbala receives over 50 million visitors annually, creating a favorable environment for job market growth and providing decent employment opportunities, while also attracting labor from neighboring cities due to the ease of transportation.

Human Rights View and Concerns

The current situation in Iraq, particularly the regionalism crisis in Karbala, raises significant human rights concerns that need to be addressed:

1. Discrimination and Marginalization: The rise of regionalism and calls to restrict newcomers to Karbala can lead to systemic discrimination against internal migrants. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including those fleeing economic hardship or environmental crises, as they may face hostility and exclusion in their new communities.

2. Protection of Rights: The potential withdrawal of international monitoring bodies, such as UNAMI, heightens fears about the protection of human rights in Iraq. Without adequate oversight, there is a risk that human rights abuses may go unreported and unaddressed, particularly against marginalized groups.

3. Impact on Vulnerable Populations: The influx of families from other provinces seeking better opportunities in Karbala places additional strain on local resources and services. This can exacerbate tensions between local residents and newcomers, leading to potential conflicts that threaten the safety and dignity of all involved.

4. Economic Opportunities and Rights: The lack of job opportunities in poorer provinces drives migration to cities like Karbala. Ensuring that all individuals have access to dignified work is essential for upholding their rights and preventing further socio-economic disparities.

5. Hate Speech and Social Cohesion: The political discourse surrounding migration has the potential to incite hate speech and deepen social divides. This could lead to increased violence and discrimination, undermining social cohesion and the rights of individuals to live free from fear and prejudice.

6. Legal Frameworks: Iraq’s constitution guarantees the right to freedom of movement and residence. However, the current climate of regionalism challenges these rights, making it crucial for the government to reaffirm and enforce legal protections for all citizens, regardless of their origin.

7. Need for Inclusive Policies: Addressing the underlying issues of poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation through inclusive policies is vital. Such measures should aim to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for all residents, fostering a more just society.

In summary, the intersection of regionalism, migration, and human rights in Iraq necessitates urgent attention and action to protect the rights of all individuals, promote social cohesion, and ensure that the benefits of economic opportunities are accessible to everyone.