German Parliament Honors Barzani Charity Foundation on 21st Anniversary
Award highlights two decades of humanitarian work as Germany and the Kurdistan Region deepen cooperation on displacement, development, and youth employment.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The German Parliament has awarded the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) its Humanitarian Award of Merit, recognizing the organization's humanitarian work as it marks 21 years of providing assistance to people affected by conflict and displacement.
The honor, announced during a press conference by BCF President Musa Ahmad on Thursday and reported by Kurdistan24, places the foundation's relief efforts in the international spotlight while underscoring the growing humanitarian partnership between Germany and the Kurdistan Region.
German Recognition for Humanitarian Work
Speaking at the press conference, Ahmad said the award acknowledges the Barzani Charity Foundation's sustained work in supporting displaced communities and responding to humanitarian crises over the past two decades.
The recognition coincides with the foundation's 21st anniversary, a milestone that reflects its expanding role in relief operations and development initiatives across the region.
Ahmad described the award as an important expression of international confidence in the foundation's mission, noting that humanitarian cooperation remains essential as the Kurdistan Region continues to host large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
Germany-KRG Cooperation Expands
Ahmad also announced that Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development is expected to visit the Kurdistan Region in the near future, with discussions aimed at strengthening coordination on humanitarian and development priorities.
"We at the BCF view this visit as highly significant and strategic," he said, emphasizing that closer engagement could help establish a more comprehensive framework for future cooperation between German institutions and partners in the Kurdistan Region.
According to Ahmad, the visit is expected to focus on practical collaboration in areas where humanitarian assistance and long-term development intersect.
Focus on Displacement, Ezidis, and Youth Employment
Among the priorities outlined by Ahmad were the continued needs of displaced families and refugees living in the Kurdistan Region, as well as efforts to improve conditions that would support safe and sustainable returns.
He said the humanitarian situation facing the Ezidi community would be a central topic during upcoming discussions, stressing the importance of practical measures that address both living conditions and long-term recovery.
Ahmad also highlighted ongoing efforts to create legal employment opportunities for young people from the Kurdistan Region seeking work in Germany.
The initiative, he explained, would combine language instruction with vocational training to prepare participants for employment through official labor migration channels, creating structured pathways that meet legal and professional requirements.
BCF Marks 21 Years of Service
The parliamentary award comes as the Barzani Charity Foundation reflects on more than two decades of humanitarian work supporting communities affected by conflict, displacement, and other emergencies.
Throughout its history, the organization has played a prominent role in delivering relief assistance and supporting vulnerable populations, with humanitarian operations extending across multiple crisis-affected areas.
The recognition from Germany's parliament serves not only as an acknowledgment of the foundation's past achievements but also as an indication of its continuing role in regional humanitarian and development efforts.
Looking Ahead
Ahmad concluded the press conference by expressing appreciation to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for his continued support of the foundation's work.
He also thanked the KRG Ministry of Interior and the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) teams in Erbil and Duhok, saying their cooperation has been instrumental in enabling the Barzani Charity Foundation to carry out its humanitarian missions.
As the foundation enters its third decade of service, the German Parliament's recognition highlights both its contribution to humanitarian relief and the expanding scope of cooperation between Germany and the Kurdistan Region in addressing displacement, recovery, and sustainable development.
This report was updated on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 12:07pm.