Today marks the 36th anniversary of the infamous Anfal campaigns, a dark chapter in history where 182,000 men, women, and children from Kurdistan were tragically killed. These heinous operations, executed by the former Iraqi regime in 1988, remain one of the most abhorrent crimes of genocide in the annals of humanity, with enduring repercussions that persist to this day and extend far into the future. On this solemn occasion, we honor and remember the victims with utmost respect, paying tribute to their souls.

While the Iraqi High Tribunal has recognized this crime as genocide, we urge the Federal Government of Iraq to fulfill its duty in serving justice and providing compensation to the affected families. It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of the dignified families of the Anfal victims, ensuring that they receive better services and support in all aspects of their lives.

We want to assure the families of the Anfal victims that our commitment to finding the remains of their loved ones and returning them to their rightful final resting in their homeland, remains unwavering. Furthermore, we are dedicated to making comprehensive efforts to attaining greater international recognition of the Anfal as a crime of genocide, in the hopes of preventing such atrocities from ever occurring again anywhere in the world.

On this occasion, we emphasize the importance of unity and coexistence among all parties and communities in Kurdistan. It is through this unity that we can protect and preserve our rights, achievements, federalism, and constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region.

May we always honor the memory of the victims of the Anfal, and may their souls rest in eternal peace. We extend our respects to the families of the Anfal victims and all the fallen heroes of Kurdistan.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region