In Barzan, thousands marked the 42nd anniversary of the Anfal campaign that claimed over 8,000 innocent lives. President Nechirvan Barzani delivered a powerful statement, urging Baghdad to take responsibility and deliver long-overdue justice.
He recalled the massacre of Barzani civilians as a clear attempt to wipe out the Kurdish identity. “This crime aimed to break our will,” Barzani declared. “But the Kurdish people stood firm and never surrendered.”
He described the genocide as one of the darkest moments in Kurdistan’s modern history. Yet, despite the pain, the people’s resilience never faded. Barzani honored the families who endured immense suffering, especially mothers and sisters who lost loved ones. “I kiss the hands of those mothers,” he said, “who raised children with love for the land and the people.”
The president renewed his call for full recognition of the Anfal as genocide. He demanded compensation for victims’ families, stressing that moral and legal responsibility lies with the federal authorities. “We will never give up on the rights of our people,” he affirmed.
Barzani also called for unity and reconciliation across the country. He urged all groups to turn sorrow into strength and build a future rooted in peace and mutual respect.
He ended his message by saluting the martyrs and thanking the people of Erbil for sheltering Barzani families during their displacement. “Their kindness will never be forgotten,” he said.