Top Kurdistan Region officials commemorate 32nd anniversary of Halabja genocide

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Senior officials in the Kurdistan Region extended their condolences on Monday while commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Halabja genocide.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani called on the Iraqi government to compensate the families of the Anfal genocide and chemical bombing that the people of Kurdistan were subject to by the former regime.

“As we commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabja which was an extension of a chain of atrocities against the people of Kurdistan in pursuit of their complete eradication, I pay my utmost respect to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the KDP leader tweeted.

As we commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabja which was an extension of a chain of atrocities against the people of Kurdistan in pursuit of their complete eradication, I pay my utmost respect to the families and loved ones of the victims. (1 of 2).

— Masoud Barzani (@masoud_barzani) March 16, 2020

We have the right to demand reparations from the Iraqi state, and it is imperative that the Iraqi government does not continue to neglect this matter and to begin to compensate those affected by the genocidal Anfal campaign and the chemical attacks (2 of 2).

— Masoud Barzani (@masoud_barzani) March 16, 2020

“We have the right to demand reparations from the Iraqi state, and it is imperative that the Iraqi government does not continue to neglect this matter and to begin to compensate those affected by the genocidal Anfal campaign and the chemical attacks.”

Meanwhile, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also expressed his regret that the federal government had not taken any steps to compensate the governorate of Halabja for the damage the chemical attack caused to the province and its residents. 

“As we mark this unforgettable crime, we honor those who made sacrifices for our nation, particularly the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the attack,” President Barzani stated.

He also stressed “the need to extend further support to the surviving victims and their families,” adding that “much more is needed to be done for the great province of Halabja and its proud residents.”

“We urge the Iraqi government to implement its legal and moral obligations in this regard,” the Kurdish leader said, while emphasizing that the “victims of [the] Halabja chemical attack continue to live in our memory.”

“As we salute and remember the fallen heroes, we look to the future with a stronger will and optimism.”

Elsewhere, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reminded of the “major crime” that remains “a deep wound in the history of the people of Kurdistan and a form of injustice and persecution toward our nation.”

Prime Minister Barzani noted that the KRG, “which is the fruit of the blood of the martyrs and the heroic resistance of our people, is doing its best to provide the best services to the families of the martyrs and the Anfal.”

“We must make this tragic occasion as a catalyst for motivating and joint action to end tragedies and unite in facing challenges and difficult circumstances,” Prime Minister Barzani stressed in his message.

The Halabja chemical attack took place in March 1988 and killed roughly 5,000 people and injured almost 10,000 more. Kurds commemorate the massacre annually by holding special ceremonies to pay respect to the victims.

The Iraqi High Criminal Court recognized the Halabja massacre as an act of genocide on March 1, 2010.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany