Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry has launched historic Kurdistan safety reforms, announced Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed. The ninth cabinet introduced a comprehensive Safety Guide, elevated Civil Defense to a General Directorate, and modernized equipment to enhance public service.
Ahmed explained that the reforms are part of a multi-year strategy under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s vision to professionalize the region’s civil and security institutions. “For the first time, the Kurdistan Region has its own safety codes and standards,” he said. The new guide aims to reduce the impact of disasters and safeguard lives and property.
A cornerstone of the reforms is the elevation of Civil Defense. Now a General Directorate, it operates independently from the police. This grants the directorate autonomy, a focused mandate, and greater institutional stature. Ahmed emphasized that the Civil Defense now has state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles, modern equipment, and improved human resources.
Training and professional development are equally prioritized. The Civil Defense Institute and the Academy of Leadership and Management are educating personnel to global standards. “Our teams’ capabilities in handling fires and floods are improving year by year,” Ahmed said, highlighting their growing professionalism.
The ministry also plans to integrate advanced technology, including drones, into emergency response. This innovation is part of the broader vision of proactive safety, disaster prevention, and rapid recovery.
Reforms extend beyond Civil Defense. Police departments, traffic directorates, agencies addressing violence against women, migration, and crisis management are all being modernized. The goal is a citizen-centric government aligned with the ninth cabinet’s agenda.
Ahmed described the Civil Defense framework as guided by four principles: disaster prevention, preparedness, effective response, and public cooperation for recovery. This approach shifts from reactive measures to a proactive and holistic model for public safety.
The Kurdistan safety reforms reflect the cabinet’s commitment to improving life and security for all residents. The Interior Ministry’s modernization ensures that the Kurdistan Region is better prepared, more resilient, and equipped with skilled personnel and cutting-edge technology to protect its citizens now and in the future.