![Protesters set fire to some political party buildings and government offices in Sarezur town during protests due to delays in salary payments in Halabja, Iraq on 8 December 2020. [Fariq Faraj Mahmood - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201208_2_45754296_60440608.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Protesters in Iraq shut down four government buildings in Dhi Qar Governorate on Thursday to highlight rising unemployment in the region.
The buildings were connected to the directorates of education, electricity, the municipality and the Nassiriya Oil Refinery. Angry protesters also closed the governorate administration and the refinery buildings earlier in the week.
The Dhi Qar Governorate has been witnessing recurring protests against rising unemployment and poor public services. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, the unemployment rate in the country stands at 27 per cent. The figure for citizens living in poverty has reached 31 per cent, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
READ: Iraq: Protesters continue to call for dismissal of Al-Muthanna Governor