Urgent Call to Action: Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch Warns of Escalating Conflict and Grave Risks to Kurdish Youth
Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch expresses deep concern over recent developments and the escalating tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Israeli regime. We strongly condemn the actions of Kurdish paramilitary and separatist groups based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly at a time when Iran is exposed to aggression from the Israeli regime, and hundreds of civilians have already lost their lives. These groups, with a history of armed and anti-Iranian activities, have issued statements declaring their alignment with the Israeli regime—an action reminiscent of similar collaborations during the eight-year Iran-Iraq War.
Based on reliable information received by this human rights organization, and consistent reports published by Iranian media, the Islamic Republic of Iran intends to target the headquarters of these groups within Iraqi Kurdistan through a two-pronged approach: missile strikes and ground operations. Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch emphasizes the serious dangers this operation poses to civilians, especially the youth and adolescents who have been recruited by these groups. These young individuals, often lured into these groups’ military structures through economic deception, promises of work, or migration, are now under direct threat to their lives.
Therefore, Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch issues an urgent appeal to the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq:
- Immediately disarm these Kurdish paramilitary groups and officially announce the results of this action to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Transfer the youth and adolescents who are members of these groups to secure camps under the supervision of the regional government and return them to their families at the earliest possible opportunity.
It appears that these two measures, if implemented, could prevent extensive military operations by Iran and save the lives of dozens of Kurdish adolescents.
Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch has officially conveyed its concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and called for serious negotiations between Iran and the Kurdistan Regional Government to manage this situation.
We also urge the families of members of these groups to contact their children and encourage them to immediately leave these groups’ headquarters and return home.
Sincerely,
Iranian Kurdistan Human Rights Watch
