Kurdistan Region President Calls on Baghdad to Deliver Justice and Compensation for Anfal Victims

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Marking the 42nd anniversary of the heinous Anfal campaign that led to the disappearance of over eight thousand innocent Barzani civilians, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani issued a solemn statement calling on the Iraqi federal government to deliver justice and compensate the victims’ families.

“Today marks 42 years since the horrifying Anfal crime that claimed the lives of eight thousand innocent Barzani civilians,” Barzani stated. “On this sorrowful occasion, we bow our heads in reverence and honor their pure souls with the utmost respect and loyalty.”

Barzani emphasized that the campaign, carried out by the former Iraqi regime, was part of a broader genocidal policy aimed at destroying the Kurdish people and suppressing their will. “The Anfal campaign against the Barzanis was a continuation of a series of atrocities that sought to break the will and erase the existence of the people of Kurdistan,” he said. “It failed in the face of the unshakable resilience and determination of the Kurdish people and remains a dark stain on the foreheads of its perpetrators.”

He further reflected on the painful aftermath endured by the victims’ families, particularly the mothers and sisters of the disappeared. “After that catastrophe, the mothers, sisters, and families of the Barzanis lived through unparalleled hardship, poverty, and suffering,” the president said. “I kiss the hands of the mothers who raised their children with love and devotion to the people and homeland.”

Reaffirming his unwavering stance, Kurdistan president reiterated the rights of all Anfal victims and victims of the former regime. “On this anniversary, we renew our commitment to the rights of all Anfal victims—Barzanis and others—and to the rights of all those persecuted by the former regime. It is the duty of the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to deliver justice and provide proper compensation to the families of the victims.”

Kurdistan President concluded his statement with a call for unity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all Iraqis. “Let the past and its pain, bitterness, and sorrow be lessons that encourage all components of Iraq to live together in mutual acceptance, respect, and forgiveness—in peace, freedom, and dignity. The country must embrace all without discrimination.”

In closing, the president paid tribute to the Barzani victims of the Anfal campaign and the martyrs of Kurdistan as a whole. “Salute to the memory of the Anfal victims from Barzan and all martyrs of Kurdistan. Gratitude and appreciation to the noble people of Erbil and its surrounding areas who rushed to aid the displaced Barzanis in their time of need.”