The Office of the High Commission for Human Rights in Basra Governorate expressed its deep concern about the deterioration of living and environmental conditions in the governorate, warning of the escalation of human rights violations in basic areas such as water, air and soil.

The office explained in a statement received by Al-Raya that the percentage of implementation of the 33 articles of the Constitution related to human rights does not exceed 25%, which reflects a “painful reality” suffered by about 70% of the governorate’s population, despite its possession of one of the largest oil wealth in the world.

The statement indicated that workers, employees, and earners are deprived of any material or social support, such as bonuses, salary increases, and social protection networks, while they live in an environment contaminated with toxins resulting from oil activities and polluted water, which threatens their right to a decent life.

The office also expressed its regret at the competent authorities’ insistence on imposing increasing taxes and levies on low-income groups, considering that this “exacerbates the burden of living and restricts citizens’ opportunities for a decent life,” in light of a clear deterioration in health, educational, and administrative services.

At the conclusion of its statement, the office called on the Prime Minister to intervene urgently to stop these taxes, and to establish a fair mechanism to impose them based on annual income, “to ensure the preservation of citizens’ dignity and constitutional rights.”