Towards Reform and Professional Media Practice
On April 22nd, it marks 127 years since the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, Kurdistan, which is the official Kurdish journalism day and also commemorates 27 years since the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. On this occasion, we extend our congratulations to all journalists across the Kurdistan Region and pay tribute to the memory of those who are no longer with us, especially those who lost their lives in the line of journalistic duty.
On this anniversary, we emphasize the need for reform in the media sector within the Kurdistan Region and our ongoing efforts to professionalize journalism. It is the responsibility of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate to defend freedom of the press, protect journalists’ rights, and contribute to the development of democracy.
Efforts such as media organization, the revision of Law No. 35 of 2007 to align with modern media practices, and reforming various sectors of media work have always been on our agenda as a national duty. The Syndicate aims to protect journalists through legal mechanisms, ensure their rights, and support them against the challenges they face. We also express our dissatisfaction with arbitrary detentions, abuse, and restrictions imposed on journalists under various pretexts. We call for continued press freedom, distanced from political conflicts, and for the law to be applied consistently as an essential achievement
In this regard, we also advocate for the establishment of a special court to handle journalists’ cases, and for a system that supports and respects journalism within a civil framework, in cooperation with international journalist federations.
On the occasion of 127 years of Kurdish journalism and 27 years of the Syndicate’s founding, we highlight the progress made by Kurdish women journalists in all areas of media. This progress reflects positive social change and promotes gender equality. However, we stress the importance of continued support for women journalists so they can fully participate and lead within media institutions in the region.
As part of this support, the Syndicate has decided to form a Women’s Journalists Committee, to empower and assist female journalists and media workers in their career growth.
Technology is rapidly advancing in all fields, and its impact on global media is undeniable—Kurdistan is no exception. The profound effects of Artificial Intelligence are increasingly advancing. Therefore, the Syndicate calls on all journalists, media managers, and stakeholders to initiate open dialogues for the sake of media reform and reorganization, aiming to align Kurdistan’s media sector with global standards—both legally and ethically—while also ensuring the media’s responsibility in protecting the rights and privacy of individuals and the community.
Additionally, the role of the Kurdish language in journalism must not be neglected. Greater importance should be placed on preserving and promoting Kurdish in media discourse.
As part of our long-term plans, the Syndicate has actively worked on reviving the journalists’ retirement fund and securing social protections through labor laws to safeguard journalists’ futures. We are also seeking ways to create a more suitable environment for journalists to continue their work safely and with dignity.
We reaffirm that there are numerous obstacles facing journalism in the Kurdistan Region, including restrictions on information access, inequality between media institutions, threats, arrests, equipment seizures, and denial of coverage. These issues have been documented in our reports to international organizations.
Additionally, the inactivity of the Kurdistan Parliament has stalled key legislative reform projects, including the national media law and the formation of a national media council—delaying much-needed reforms in the media sector.
We also stress the need to unify all Kurdish journalists under a national federation, both within and outside Kurdistan. The Syndicate has already prepared proposals and is working toward this goal.
Another concern we raise is regarding the Iraqi federal government, which has created a disparity in rights and privileges between journalists affiliated with the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate and those registered elsewhere in Iraq—particularly in disputed territories like Kirkuk, Mosul, Khanaqin, Diyala, and Baghdad. This inequality must be addressed to ensure equal treatment for all Kurdish journalists.
Once again, on this meaningful anniversary, we reaffirm our unwavering support for professional journalists, our commitment to defending their rights, and our dedication to developing their skills through international training programs by the international journalism federation. The Syndicate continues to work as an active partner with international journalism federations.
Long live the anniversary of Kurdish journalism and the founding of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate.
Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate Council
April 22, 2025
Kurdistan – Erbil.
