Erbil Governor's Statement on the Anniversary of the Halabja Chemical Bombing

In the name of God Almighty, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

As we mark the thirty-sixth anniversary of the chemical bombing and mass killing endured by the city of Halabja at the hands of the defunct Baath regime, resulting in the tragic loss of 5,000 innocent lives and the injury of thousands more, we honor the memory of our innocent martyrs who fell victim to the former Iraqi regime's brutality with deep reverence and dignity.
 

The atrocities perpetrated by the former regime against the people of Kurdistan were intended to annihilate our community and obliterate our identity. These brutal acts have left a profound imprint on our collective memory, serving as a poignant reminder of the imperative to never forget such crimes.

On this anniversary, it is crucial to ensure comprehensive support and the provision of top-quality services across all domains for the affected individuals and communities. Hence, it is imperative for the Iraqi government to fulfill all its obligations and responsibilities, striving to attain justice for the victims.
 

On this solemn occasion, marking one of the most harrowing crimes in our national history, we solemnly remember and honor our innocent martyrs. We emphasize the imperative of providing compensation to Halabja and its residents, along with all victims of ethnic genocide, the Anfal campaign, and other atrocities committed by the former regime in the Kurdistan Region. It is essential to ensure proper treatment for the injured and formally apologize to the people of Kurdistan for these grievous injustices.

Omed Khoshnaw

Governor of Erbil

March 16, 2024