Disabled Iraqi civil servants protest curbs on master's degree studies in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Dozens of civil servants gathered outside the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Baghdad on Saturday, demanding the reversal of a government decision they say blocks employees with disabilities from completing their master's degree studies. Protesters chanted slogans asserting that education is a right guaranteed under the Iraqi constitution and called for the decision to be withdrawn. Zahra Fadel, a disabled civil servant, told local media that she had passed the master's degree entrance examination under two seats reserved for disabled public employees, but was subsequently removed from the program after the new directive was issued. She said the timeframe allowed for the official procedures was insufficient, causing her to lose the opportunity. Master's student Mariam Jasim Mohammed described Cabinet Resolution No. 11 of 2026 as "unfair" and "unconstitutional," adding that she does not seek any financial benefits during the academic period and is willing to accept only her nominal salary. Contract employee Abdulhassan Karim said passing the exam had been difficult and that the subsequent decision had struck the students like "a bolt of lightning." No immediate response from the ministry was reported.