Baghdad, Iraq – On Sunday, the Presidency of the Republic marked the anniversary of the tragic chemical weapons attack on Halabja, emphasizing the need for global action to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This solemn commemoration served as a reminder of one of the most horrific crimes in contemporary history.
A statement from the Presidency of the Republic, received by Iraqi media, noted the deep pain and sadness felt as the nation remembered the attack. “On this day, we recall the heinous crime when the dictatorial regime bombed the steadfast city of Halabja with internationally prohibited chemical weapons,” the statement said.
The attack, which took place in 1988, resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands, including children, women, and the elderly. It also caused the destruction of many Kurdish villages. The statement condemned the brutality of the former regime, reflecting on the extent of tyranny and injustice inflicted upon the Kurdish people and the broader Iraqi population.
The tragedy of Halabja, the statement continued, serves as a powerful reminder of the need to solidify Iraq’s democratic journey and to call on the international community to prevent the spread of WMDs. It urged an end to wars and conflicts and stressed the importance of establishing security and peace, both regionally and globally. The Presidency also called for increased international cooperation in documenting such crimes, ensuring that the horrors of dictatorial regimes are not forgotten.
As part of the commemoration, the statement urged the Iraqi government and relevant authorities to take action to honor Halabja’s memory. This includes expediting the process of transforming Halabja into a governorate and completing the necessary legislative steps in the Iraqi Parliament.
By remembering the past, Iraq hopes to ensure that future generations never forget the lessons of Halabja, while continuing to strive for peace, justice, and human rights.
