08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Roma are a distinct ethnic group, but lack recognition as such in Iraq ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 23253]

"The Roma, or Kawliyah, originate from India, but have been living in Iraq for hundreds of years. They are a distinct ethnic group with their own language, traditions and culture, although they have never been recognized as such in Iraq. Roma usually adopt the dominant religion of the host country while preserving aspects of their particular belief systems. In Iraq, they usually adhere to Islam, either the Sunni or Shi’a branch. The Kawliyah used to live a nomadic life, were not registered and did not have any documentation. During the Iraq-Iran War (1980-1988), the regime of Saddam Hussein provided them with Iraqi nationality and Iraqi ID cards in order to recruit the males for the war. The former Government also provided them with housing in the newly created “First of June” village in the District of Abu Ghraib as well as in Al-Kamalia area in southeast Baghdad. Other villages could be found in the south, in particular in the Governorate of Qadissiyah. Under the Ba’ath regime, Kawliyah villages enjoyed police protection and the authorities turned a blind eye and even encouraged the Kawliyah to pursue occupations such as playing music, dancing, selling of alcohol and prostitution. Reportedly, the former regime built amusement parks and brothels along the Southern Iraqi border to attract people from the Gulf, but Iraqi military officers and Ba’ath party officials also became frequent customers. Nevertheless, Kawliyah were considered second-class citizens and remained
deprived of a number of rights. For example, they were not allowed to own property and did not have access to higher positions in the Government or the military.

There are no official statistics on the number of Roma in Iraq. It is estimated that some 10,000 individuals lived in the Baghdad area before the fall of the former regime. Today, Kawliyah tribal leaders say that there are more than 60,000 in the whole country, with some 11,000 in the Governorate of Qadissiyah. The Dom Research Center provides a figure of 50,000."

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Displacement of Kawliyah in Qadissiyah governorate ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 23254]

"After the fall of the former regime, the Kawliyah lost the protection once afforded to them. Conservative local communities as well as members of the Mehdi Army, who had long resented their differing social norms, violently forced the Kawliyah from their settlements. For example, on 12 March 2004, dozens of armed Mehdi Army members attacked the village of Kawliyah in the Governorate of Qadissiyah with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and even bulldozers. Fighting erupted between militia members and Kawliyah villagers and, according to a MNF legal advisor, more than 20 locals died. Furthermore, 18 villagers were detained and tortured by Mehdi Army members, but later freed by the CPA. Other reports say the village was looted and burned. There was no investigation by the police, who were possibly even involved in the attack."

Document(s): Open document