The Iraqi parliament on Monday voted for a bill that will recognize Halabja as the 19th governorate of Iraq, after at least two years of delay.

“This decision is the least that can be done to acknowledge the suffering and pain endured by the patriotic and devoted people of Halabja,” Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated.

Read More: Halabja: A Chronicle of Endurance and Heritage

Prime Minister Barzani also thanked the Iraqi parliament members for the vote, and added that he hopes that this development will mark the beginning of greater services to the people of Halabja.

Read More: KRG Calls for Recognition of Halabja’s Status

This year, on March 16, the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack – in which 5,000 civilians were killed with chemical weapons by the former Ba’ath regime – was commemorated.

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 only recognized this law after several delayed sessions today.

“We will continue our coordination with the federal government to ensure that proper services are provided to the region and that a special budget is allocated for the further development of Halabja,” Prime Minister Barzani added, underlining that the KRG will continue to provide services to the people of Halabja.

President Masoud Barzani also welcomed the Iraqi Parliament’s decision to officially recognize Halabja as a separate governorate.

“I also express my appreciation to the Kurdish factions in the Parliament who, with unity and consensus, stood behind this achievement for the people of Halabja and Kurdistan, and cooperated to vote for and approve the law to protect our beloved Halabja.”

Earlier this week, members of parliament from all the Kurdish parties said they would boycott the Iraqi parliament unless it voted on the Halabja bill.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also expressed his appreciation to the Iraqi parliament and those who contributed to the “long-awaited achievement.”

“This milestone brings us great joy, reflecting the collective happiness of the people of Kurdistan,” President Nechirvan Barzani concluded.

Italy’s Consulate General in Erbil also welcomed the establishment of Halabja Governorate.

“A historic step that honors the memory and the future of the city. We wish for relief and prosperity, and hope it will never happen again anywhere in the world,” it said X, referring to the 1988 chemical attack. “Italy stands by the citizens of Halabja for development, peace, and cooperation.”

After the historic vote, Acting Halabja Governor Nuxsha Nasih congratulated the citizens of Halabja on the vote.