Center warns of a “humanitarian catastrophe” and calls for a general alert in Iraq.
Center warns of a “humanitarian catastrophe” and calls for a general alert in Iraq.
2025-09-09 02:56
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq warned on Tuesday of a “humanitarian catastrophe” that could threaten the country as a result of the worsening water scarcity crisis and the increasing frequency of accidents that threaten infrastructure and the safety of citizens.
The center told Shafaq News Agency that “this situation poses a direct threat to basic human rights, particularly the right to life, health, shelter, and a decent living,” noting that “the weak response and insufficient preventive plans increase the risk of thousands of Iraqis being exposed to danger.”
He added, “The recurrence of tragic incidents, including hospital and market fires, and the mismanagement of environmental and climate crises, reflects a significant failure to protect citizens and puts their lives at constant risk.”
The Center called on the Iraqi government, the House of Representatives, and relevant authorities to “declare an urgent humanitarian alert and develop a comprehensive national strategy to address the effects of drought and confront anticipated risks, while ensuring transparency, community participation, and the involvement of civil society organizations and human rights organizations in monitoring implementation.”
He also called on the international community to “support Iraq and urge riparian states to respect water quotas in accordance with international laws, to protect civil peace and the rights of millions of Iraqis threatened by thirst and forced displacement.”
The center concluded its statement by saying, “Failure to address these crises represents a flagrant violation of human rights and calls for an urgent national response to salvage the situation before it escalates.”
Last July, the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources stated that the decline in water reserves was primarily due to weak releases from upstream countries, coupled with the accelerating impacts of climate change. It noted that 2025 was set to be one of the driest years since 1933, posing unprecedented challenges to water resource management.
shafaq.com
