Message from President Barzani on the 36th Anniversary of Anfal.

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

 

The Anfal campaign stands as one of the gravest crimes perpetrated by the former Iraqi regime, aimed at the eradication, destruction, and extermination of the Kurdish people. Throughout this orchestrated massacre and genocide, spanning multiple stages and covering all parts of Kurdistan, 180,000 innocent Kurdish citizens were brutally martyred or went missing. Yet, the atrocities extended beyond mere loss of life, encompassing chemical attacks, the obliteration of thousands of villages, forced displacement, and systematic attempts at Arabization. These reprehensible acts dismantled the economic, demographic, social, and psychological fabric of Kurdistan.

While the perpetrators of Anfal and other crimes have been consigned to the dustbin of history, the scars of genocide and oppression persist, and the wounds inflicted upon our people remain unhealed. Regrettably, chauvinistic sentiments against the Kurds persist within certain quarters of the Iraqi state. It is incumbent upon the official institutions of Iraq to address and rectify the injustices of Anfal, genocide, and oppression perpetrated against the Kurdish people. They must staunchly oppose any policies or endeavors that undermine the rights of the Kurdish populace.

On this solemn occasion marking the 36th anniversary of the Anfal tragedy, we pay homage to the resilience and sacrifices of the Anfal families and martyrs. We honor the indomitable spirit of the martyrs of Anfal and all those who have sacrificed for the cause of Kurdistan's freedom.

Masoud Barzani 

April 14, 2024