Summary of committees' recent meetings - 23 May 2019
Culture, Civil Society, Sports and Youth Committee
20 May - Visited General Directorate of Culture and Art in Slemani. Discussed the directorate’s recent activities and projects held in Slemani as the cultural capital of Kurdistan. Also discussed the special budget for its cultural affairs, which is needed for its annual activities. The committee pledged their support to the General Director and to deliver the directorate’s message to Parliament. Later met Zhin Archive Center for the protection of archives and old documents and thanked the directors of the center for their important preservation work.
Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research Committee
20 May – Discussed how to improve the Grade 9 and Grade 12 final exams process in Kurdistan’s high schools. Emphasised optimizing the exam process and atmosphere to make it less stressful for students. Decided to work on resolving the issues of part-time teachers as soon as possible.
Martyrs’ Affairs, Genocide and Political Prisoners Committee
20 May - Decided that a delegation of some committee members should visit the Iraqi Council of Ministers in Baghdad in order to increase cooperation. Stressed that land given to the families of martyrs and victims should be used only for residential purposes.
Kurdistani Areas outside the KRG Administrative Area Committee
21 May - Met with farmers and representatives of the district of Sargaran. They submitted a note to the committee about the lack of security in their district and their demands, which was read out by the committee head at a press conference. The farmers said that their agricultural production is at risk of being destroyed, as some Arabs in the area may set fire to them. They asked for Parliament’s support and said that the Peshmerga forces’ presence is essential to protect the area from growing threats. Discussed the improper administration of Kirkuk province, especially in terms of the treatment of Kurds.
Health, Environment and Consumer Rights Committee
21 May - Discussed how to develop several proposals for bills related to the health sector. Decided to form subcommittees to work on the problems of pharmaceutical drugs in Kurdistan Region, and to visit health offices to gather information on their problems and deficiencies. Discussed the results of the committee’s visit to Zakho hospital on 5th May. Replied to notes and letters submitted to the committee.
Legislative Affairs Committee
22nd May - Met with a delegation from UNAMI, headed by Dr. Hogo Kachich, and discussed consultations on legislation. Briefed Dr. Kachich on the committee’s responsibilities and recent activities. Dr. Kachich informed the committee that UNAMI and Kurdistan Region’s Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together. He said that UNAMI is also ready to provide consultation and support to the committee on its legislative work.
