‘The Iraqi State Bears Full Responsibility for Halabja’s Suffering’, President Barzani
“The responsibility for this crime against humanity and its consequences, including compensation for the victims' families, rests on the shoulders of the Iraqi state," President Barzani stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack, President Masoud Barzani issued a solemn statement commemorating the tragedy and reaffirming the ongoing responsibility of the Iraqi state to deliver justice and compensation to the victims.
In his message, released via his official X account on Sunday, President Barzani paid tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in the massacre and emphasized that the pain of Halabja remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of the Kurdish people.
“The wounds and pain of the Halabja chemical attack will forever remain in the heart and soul of every Kurdish person and will not be forgotten,” President Barzani stated.
“The responsibility for this crime against humanity and its consequences, including compensation for the victims' families, rests on the shoulders of the Iraqi state. On the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical bombing tragedy, we send our salutations to the pure souls of Halabja’s martyrs and to the families and relatives of those martyred and wounded in this crime,” the statement read.
A Dark Chapter in Kurdish History
The chemical bombardment of Halabja on March 16, 1988, by the former Iraqi Baathist regime remains one of the most horrific war crimes of the 20th century.
Read More: 37 Years After Halabja, Kurdistan Remembers the Victims of Chemical Warfare
As part of Saddam Hussein’s Anfal campaign against the Kurdish population, Iraqi warplanes released lethal chemical agents, including mustard gas and sarin, over the city, instantly killing more than 5,000 people, with thousands more suffering from severe burns, blindness, and respiratory illnesses.
The massacre was part of a broader genocidal campaign aimed at erasing Kurdish resistance and instilling fear among civilians. The lingering effects of the attack continue to afflict survivors to this day, with many still experiencing chronic health conditions, psychological trauma, and economic hardships.
Despite the international recognition of the Halabja attack as genocide, tangible justice and reparations for the victims remain unfulfilled.
Calls for Justice and Compensation
President Barzani’s statement aligns with broader demands from Kurdish leaders and institutions urging Iraq’s federal government to acknowledge its responsibility and provide proper compensation to the families of the victims.
The Iraqi state has long been criticized for failing to implement concrete measures to support the survivors and address the long-term devastation caused by the attack.
Earlier today, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also issued statements marking the solemn anniversary.
Read More: KRP Barzani: Halabja’s Pain Endures, Justice Must Be Served
Read More: 'Regrettable That Baghdad Has Not Provided Justice for Halabja,' PM Barzani
They reiterated the need for Halabja’s full recognition as a province, a step that would grant the city greater administrative and financial autonomy to rebuild and improve public services.
However, despite years of promises, the formal approval of Halabja’s provincial status by the Iraqi government remains stalled.
The Kurdish leadership has consistently urged Baghdad to fulfill its constitutional and humanitarian obligations toward Halabja.
While symbolic gestures, such as recognizing the attack as a crime against humanity, have been made, meaningful action in the form of financial reparations, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure projects is still lacking.
A Lasting Legacy of Resistance and Resilience
The memory of Halabja is not only a painful reminder of the atrocities committed against the Kurdish people but also a testament to their resilience.
The tragedy galvanized the Kurdish struggle for self-determination, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Kurdistan Region’s autonomous status within Iraq.
Halabja remains a powerful symbol of the sacrifices endured by the Kurdish people in their quest for freedom. Every year, thousands of Kurds in the Kurdistan Region, other parts of Kurdistan, and the diaspora gather to honor the victims, hold commemorative ceremonies, and call for justice.
The demand for international accountability also continues, with human rights organizations and Kurdish officials urging the global community to recognize and support the victims.
An Unwavering Commitment to Halabja’s Future
As Kurdistan marks another anniversary of the Halabja tragedy, President Masoud Barzani’s statement serves as a reminder that justice remains an unfulfilled promise.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has undertaken several initiatives to support Halabja, including the construction of a specialized hospital for chemical attack victims and infrastructure development.
However, without the full support of the Iraqi federal government, the efforts remain insufficient to address the full scale of the devastation left by the attack.
While time moves forward, the memory of Halabja remains a painful yet powerful force shaping the Kurdish struggle for recognition, rights, and justice.
The call for accountability and reparations continues to resonate, and until full justice is served, the tragedy of Halabja will remain a defining moment in Kurdish history and a testament to the enduring resilience of its people.
