پەرلەمانی کوردستان
July 31, 2026
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of the tragic Anfal campaign against the Barzanis, in which 8,000 civilians lost their lives. On this solemn occasion, we honor the pure souls of the martyrs and pay our deepest respects to their memory.
In the wake of this brutal crime, an immense burden came to rest on the shoulders of the proud Barzani mothers and wives. With resilience, unwavering resolve, and the strength to raise their children through hardship and profound suffering, they defeated the enemy’s aim of erasing the people of Kurdistan— and more than that, they raised a generation of patriots who would carry Kurdistan’s future forward. To these devoted and courageous mothers, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude.
The genocide committed against the Barzanis, together with the Anfal campaigns in their entirety, remains an open wound in our nation’s conscience. Yet it has only deepened the people of Kurdistan’s resolve to endure and to defend their legitimate rights. We reaffirm that the Iraqi government bears both a moral and a legal duty to compensate the families of the Anfal victims and all those harmed by the crimes of the former regime.
We reaffirm that the tragedies and suffering of the past must become lessons for the future, cultivating a culture of mutual acceptance and coexistence. Such a culture is essential to building unity, understanding, and lasting peace — bringing together all communities in Iraq to live side by side in dignity and pride.
On this occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude to the generous and compassionate people of Erbil province and the surrounding areas, and to all who offered shelter and support to the displaced Barzani families during those difficult years.
May peace rest upon the victims of the Barzani Anfal campaign, and may the memory of every martyr of Kurdistan be held in honor.
Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region
