KNK: We will continue our struggle against the destruction of our environment, which is our homeland
Commemorating those who lost their lives tackling the fire on Mount Abidar, KNK Environment Commission said, “We will continue our civil and environmental struggle until the burning, plundering, and destruction of our nature comes to an end.”
A large wildfire broke out across Mount Abidar in Sanandaj (Sine) countryside on 24 July, prompting local environmental activists and volunteers to rush to the area to contain it. Despite their efforts, the fire caused serious injuries due to a lack of adequate firefighting resources and protective equipment. Five people were hospitalised after trying to contain the large blaze that spread across the mountain.
Hamid Moradi, a lawyer and director of the environmental organisation Shnay Nawzhin Kurdistan, died from severe burns on July 25 at a medical facility in Sanandaj, one day after the fire.
Chiako Yousefinezhad and Khabat Amini, who were receiving treatment at Kowsar Hospital in Sanandaj, died on July 28.
Two other injured activists, Mohsen Hossein-Panahi and Seyyed Mostafa Hazhir, remain in critical condition at Kowsar Hospital.
In a written statement on Wednesday, the Environment Commission of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) extended their deepest condolences to the families of fallen environmental activists and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
“These selfless individuals who sacrificed their lives to protect our environment and homeland are living examples of the responsibility and sincere effort required to protect the environment of Kurdistan. Their memories will live on forever,” said the KNK Environment Commission.
The statement continued: “We are well aware that the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran has not only systematically plundered the region surrounding Eastern Kurdistan, but has also made no effort whatsoever to prevent this destruction. The imprisonment of environmental activists, the burning of forests, and the complete absence of any plans to protect the environment are not only indicative of the negligence of those in power but also clear signs of deliberate efforts to destroy the environment of Eastern Kurdistan. This situation is the result of an unbalanced and illegal relationship between the environment and those in power – to such an extent that nature has been turned into a weapon against the Kurdish people. For this reason, we view the environmental struggle as both a political and a fundamental issue, because the current system has turned the environment of Kurdistan into a tool of punishment.
We appeal to the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran; negligence regarding the natural environment and forest fires, the destruction of protected areas, attempts to control water resources, and ecocide are not only an attack on the Kurdish people, but also on life, history, and humanity itself.
As the KNK Environment Commission, we will continue our civil and environmental struggle until the burning, plundering, and destruction of our nature comes to an end. We reiterate our support to all environmental organizations, volunteer institutions, and everyone who is wholeheartedly committed to the environment and Kurdistan.
We call on our people, all environmental volunteers, and human rights defenders to join together to exert international pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop the environmental destruction in Eastern Kurdistan. The protection of nature must be ensured for the sake of a free life and on behalf of the people of Kurdistan and all peoples.
Our environment is our homeland, and it is our duty to protect it!”
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