پەرلەمانی کوردستان
November 1, 2026
The University of Duhok held a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of its Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology. The ceremony was attended by a large number of Yezidis, as well as distinguished local and international guests.
During the ceremony, Dilshad Shahab, a senior aide to the President of the Kurdistan Region, delivered a speech on behalf of President Nechirvan Barzani. The speech reads as follows:
Distinguished guests, Good morning.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok and its partners for organizing this event, and for their significant efforts in assisting those who have endured the consequences of war, terrorism, and violence, and in easing their pain and suffering.
Ten years ago, the establishment of this institute represented an important and necessary step toward providing services to victims. The University of Duhok's work is both valuable and commendable. Alongside its scientific and academic responsibilities, it has also devoted attention to a field of considerable importance to society. We hope that more such initiatives will emerge and receive greater attention.
The people of Kurdistan and Iraq have endured many years of war and hardship. Many of our fellow citizens lost their loved ones and their homes, while others were compelled to leave their areas and live far from their homes and places of origin. The genocide committed by ISIS against the Yezidis stands among the most horrific of these tragedies.
The consequences of this suffering do not end merely with the conclusion of wars or the return of people to their homes and places of origin. Some wounds endure in people's minds and deep within their souls, and they require time and care to heal. It is our responsibility not to leave those who have experienced such tragedies alone. We must help them regain their lives, their confidence, and their hope for a better future.
Distinguished guests,
The psychological treatment services that this institute provides in Duhok and Shingal, together with its efforts to train specialists, merit our deepest appreciation. The institute's work is not confined to supporting those affected and alleviating their suffering. Training qualified personnel is also a significant undertaking, enabling them to carry this vital mission forward and serve society in the future.
I therefore wish, once again, to convey my sincere appreciation to the University of Duhok, the institute's supervisors, and all its staff for their dedicated efforts.
I also extend my gratitude to the government, universities, and institutions of Germany for their support of this humanitarian project. Germany has stood alongside the people of Kurdistan during difficult times. We deeply value and appreciate their continued support and assistance, particularly their assistance to the survivors of ISIS's crimes.
Distinguished guests,
Those who suffer from the consequences of war and psychological trauma need to feel that they are not alone. They need to know that there are people who provide them with services, care, and support. It is important that everyone in need of psychological assistance understands that seeking treatment is entirely natural and that no one should feel ashamed or uncomfortable doing so.
For this reason, we underline the importance of continued governmental and international support for these initiatives. We also emphasize the need to expand psychological treatment services so that they reach everyone in need, particularly in areas that have suffered from terrorism and displacement.
All victims, and our people as a whole, must recover from the effects and consequences of that period. Survivors and those affected must be able to continue their lives in safety, with dignity and renewed hope.
On this occasion, we also reaffirm that we will always remain supporters and advocates of all the rights of our fellow Yezidi citizens. Any action or plan aimed at resolving their problems in Shingal and elsewhere must be grounded in their demands and interests.
We once again extend our appreciation to all those serving this noble humanitarian cause. I wish the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok continued progress and success.
Thank you very much.
Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region
