On March 16, on the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack – in which 5,000 civilians were killed with chemical weapons by the former Ba’ath regime – Kurdish leaders paid tribute to all the victims of the attack and called on Baghdad to take appropriate measures to recognize Halabja as a separate governorate.
In March 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani announced the government’s approval of a draft law to establish Halabja as a governorate. However, the Iraqi Parliament has yet to recognize the new draft law.
Today, we commemorate the Halabja chemical attack as we honor all of our martyrs. I salute the sacrifice the people of Halabja have endured.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) March 16, 2025
After 37 years, the federal government has not fulfilled its constitutional duty to provide reparations for Halabja and Anfal victims. pic.twitter.com/PXxhIVIoKn
“Regrettably, the federal government has yet to fulfill its constitutional and legal responsibilities in addressing the rights of the families of the victims and martyrs of Halabja and the Anfal Campaign,” Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said.
“Even now, the Iraqi parliament has not approved the process of granting governorate status to Halabja. We therefore call for an end to this neglect and demand that appropriate measures be taken to recognize the sacrifices of Halabja. The approval of its status as a governorate must be expedited without further delay.”
Thirty-seven years ago today, one of the most horrific crimes of the 20th century was committed against the Kurds—the Halabja Chemical Attack, which claimed 5,000 lives and left more than 1,000 wounded.
— Kurdistan Chronicle (@KrdChronicle) March 16, 2025
Watch this video to learn about the painful story of Halabja. pic.twitter.com/45b17ATOdn
Furthermore, Prime Minister Barzani said that, although some of the main perpetrators of this crime have faced justice, even after 37 years “the wounds and pain caused by this great catastrophe remain unhealed. It is our collective duty to continue raising awareness about the genocide of Halabja, Anfal, and other crimes committed against the people of Kurdistan. We must also enhance the services provided to the families of the martyrs and victims of these crimes.”
In a post on X, President Masoud Barzani underlined that the “responsibility for this crime against humanity, its consequences, and even compensating the victims’ families lies with the Iraqi state. On the 37th anniversary of the tragic chemical bombing of Halabja, we honor the souls of the righteous martyrs of Halabja, as well as the families and loved ones of the martyrs and those injured by this crime.”
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in a statement underlined that Halabja has emerged as a global symbol of the oppression faced by the Kurdish people and stands as a testament to the horrific acts committed against the people of Kurdistan. “In a just world, this singular tragedy would suffice to acknowledge the rightful claims of the people of Kurdistan.
“On this solemn occasion, we reiterate the necessity for the people of Halabja and all victims of genocide and Anfal to receive appropriate reparations and access to superior services across all sectors.
“It is imperative that the Iraqi government fulfills its legal and moral obligations to the victims, addressing all responsibilities towards Halabja and its residents and ensuring that justice is served. Furthermore, it must take all necessary steps to elevate Halabja to the status of governorate. The international community must persist in its efforts to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities globally.”
