Diversity in Iraq

Iraq is an incredibly diverse region, home to multiple religious groups and cultures. This page in particular focuses on the northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, where groups such as Yazidi have been rooted for generations.

The majority in Iraq identify as Shia or Sunni Muslims. But Iraq has rich ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity, including Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, Sabean Mandeans, Bahá’ís and various Christian denominations.

The country also has a Jewish heritage, going back to ancient times. This diversity is visible in ancient holy sites across the country, such as in Erbil, Alqosh, Amediya, Lalesh and other places.

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Department of Justice and Constitutional Development South Africa. (2000). Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/acts/2000-004.pdf

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development South Africa. (2018). Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.

https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/hcbill/B9-2018-HateCrimesBill.pdf

OHCHR. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. OHCHR. 

https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights 

Parliamentary Monitoring Group. (2023). Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (B9-2018) https://pmg.org.za/bill/779/

Republic of South Africa. (2022). AfriForum v Economic Freedom Fighters and Others. Republic of South Africa

https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZAGPJHC/2022/599.html?

South Africa. (1996). Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. https://www.justice.gov.za/constitution/SAConstitution-web-eng.pdf

United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights#:~:text=Article%2018,-1.&text=practice%20and%20teaching.-,2.,or%20belief%20of%20his%20choice.

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Additional Resources

For more information on Iraq and its religious diversity, explore our Iraq case study page.

Related Resources

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