Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region — People with dwarfism have been hit the hardest by the Kurdistan Region’s economic crisis, as they try to survive in a society that sees them as second-class citizens with a government that is struggling to support them.
“This is a vulnerable community, it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to survive due to societal discrimination and difficult economic conditions,” said Omar Jabar, the head of the Association for People of Short Stature.
“I am getting desperate calls every day from our members that need help with rent and paying their expenses," he told Rudaw.
In children, the cause of short stature varies, from genetics to chronic disease, growth hormone deficiency, and malnutrition, according to the Yale School of Medicine.
The number of people with dwarfism in the Kurdistan Region is estimated at 7,000.
Each person is entitled to receive 100,000 to 150,000 dinars per month from the Ministry of Labour.
However, Jabar says they have received four payments this year, and is worried about the psychological and financial pressure on the community.
“If it was not for the charity from some philanthropists, we would not be able to carry on,” he said.
The Kurdistan Region is in the midst of a deep economic crisis, with funds depleted by the coronavirus pandemic, a drop in oil prices, corruption, and perennial budget feuds with Baghdad.
Reporting by Arkan Ali
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