On 17, February 2026, Peace and Freedom Organization – Kirkuk Office, in cooperation with the Total Quality Management Department at the Kirkuk Governorate Office, held an advocacy session on “Environmental Pollution Resulting from Oil Company Activities,” with the participation of several officials and representatives of relevant departments.
Participants included the Deputy Governor for Services and Development, Ms. Jihan Ibrahim; the Governor’s Advisor for Agriculture and Desertification Affairs, Eng. Abdullah Hamad; Kirkuk Provincial Council Members Ms. Pruin Fatah and Ms. Ru’a Hussein; in addition to the Director of the Total Quality Management Department and the Director of the Urban Afforestation and Green Belts Department at the Governorate Office. Representatives from relevant government entities also attended, including the Environmental Police, the Environment Directorate, the Municipality, the Agriculture Directorate, Municipalities Directorate, Water Resources Directorate, Property Claims Commission, Religious Endowments, and the North Gas Company.
The session began with participant introductions, followed by a presentation from the organization highlighting key recommendations related to environmental pollution. These recommendations were developed through field initiatives and community sessions conducted over recent months by the Natural Resources Committee previously established by the organization, targeting various areas across the governorate.
Discussions addressed several core issues, including activating and enforcing existing environmental laws and strengthening penalties against non-compliant companies; requiring oil companies to conduct environmental impact assessments before and during project implementation; reducing gas flaring; adopting modern technologies for treating oil waste; and conducting regular maintenance of pipelines to prevent oil leaks.
The session also emphasized strengthening the role of environmental oversight bodies, increasing inspection missions, establishing a dedicated environmental database on oil pollution in Kirkuk Governorate, and obligating companies to submit regular and transparent environmental reports to relevant authorities and the public. In addition, the importance of conducting periodic health screenings for residents living near oil fields was highlighted.
In conclusion, participants affirmed that addressing environmental pollution in Kirkuk Governorate is a shared responsibility that requires serious coordination and cooperation among government institutions, oil companies, and the local community to ensure a safe and healthy environment for present and future generations.
This activity falls under the building peace and Stability in Iraq project, implemented by Peace and Freedom Organization in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and supported by FCDO.
