Aug 04, 2017

Iranian Kurdistan: Number of Kurdish Porters Killed or Wounded Almost Doubled in 2017 Compared to 2016


Photo Courtesy of NRT

According to Iranian-Kurdistan based human rights advocacy agency Hangaw, in 2017 almost twice as many Kurdish “kolbars” (porters) have been killed or wounded as in 2016 . The group reports that 47 Kurdish porters have died in a seven-month period, stressing  that Iranian security forces shot 24 dead and 23 died in fatal traffic accidents or due to natural causes. The economic crisis and high unemployment rate in Iranian Kurdistan inclines many Kurds to start working in the transportation of goods by foot.

Below is an article published by NRT

A total of 21 Kurdish kolbars (porters) have fallen victim in a one-month period near the Iranian border due to coming under fire by Iranian security forces, the Iranian-Kurdistan based human rights advocacy agency Hangaw reported.

Nearly 47 Kurdish porters have died in a seven-month period, 24 of whom were shot dead by Iranian security forces, the rights group said.

Another 23 porters have died in fatal traffic accidents or died of natural causes while transporting luggage and other loads.

Iranian security forces have shot fire at porters, wounding 53. Some 44 others have been wounded in car accidents or died of natural causes.

The number of porters killed or wounded almost doubled in a seven-month period in 2017 comparing to 2016, according to Hangaw Agency. About 96 Kurdish porters were killed and wounded in 2016.

According to statistics in 2016, 49 Kurdish porters died, 41 of whom were killed by Iranian security forces, and 47 others were wounded.

Kurds in Iran began working in the transportation of goods by foot due to the economic crisis and unemployment in Iran.