The College of Law and Politics at the University of Human Development organised a panel on the new general population census in Iraq, scheduled for 20th-21st November 2024. The panel took place at the Seminar Hall on 18th November. This national-wide census is the first in 37 years, following the last inclusive census in 1987. The 1997 census excluded the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is expected to be conducted smoothly and meet UN standards.

The general population census is crucial as it enables the Iraqi government to move beyond estimations and unverified assumptions. It provides accurate data for development planning, identifying crisis areas, and delivering essential public services promptly across the governorates. Additionally, it aids in national decision-making.

The panellists included Asst Prof. Mr Karwan Awrahman Ismail and Asst Prof. Dr Kurdistan Salim Saeed, with Asst Prof. Mr Kardo Kareem Rasheed as the moderator. They discussed the significance of the population census, provided insights into past censuses in Iraq, and addressed issues in contested areas, such as Kirkuk, between Kurds and Arabs. The panellists highlighted the impact of the census on demographics in these areas and its implications for future planning and relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Central Government. They also analysed the survey questionnaires from a socioeconomic perspective.