Iraqi Presidency Urges Authorities to Accelerate Halabja Recognition as Province

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi Presidency logo.

The Iraqi Presidency recalled the 37th anniversary of the chemical attack on Halabja, urging the relevant authorities to accelerate the official recognition of Halabja as a province.

The Iraqi Presidency said in a statement on the anniversary of the chemical attack on Halabja: "Today, we solemnly remember the devastating chemical attack on Halabja—a heinous crime that shook the world’s conscience. Thousands of innocent children, women and elderly people were martyred or wounded, and many Kurdish villages were destroyed."

"This atrocity stands as a stark reminder of the brutality of dictatorial regimes and underscores the urgent need for collective action to uphold democracy, protect human rights and prevent the proliferation of banned weapons," it added.

"As we mark this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democracy in Iraq and call on the international community to unite in preventing conflicts, ensuring security and peace, and documenting crimes against civilians," the statement emphasised.

The President also called for key actions, including:

• *Official Recognition of Halabja as a Province* – We urge the relevant authorities to accelerate the official recognition of Halabja as a province.

• *Provision of Essential Services* – Ensure the delivery of essential services to the people of Halabja.

• *Compensation for Victims’ Families* – Provide just compensation to the families of the victims for their suffering and losses.

• *Advancement of Democracy and Human Rights* – Strengthen democracy in Iraq, uphold human rights and safeguard the freedoms and dignity of all people.

On 16 March 1988, the fallen Iraqi Ba'ath regime bombed the city of Halabja with banned chemical weapons, martyring over 5000 innocent Kurdish civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The attack also injured more than 10,000 others, most of whom still suffer from their wounds to this day.



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