News

IUSY Calls for International Recognition of the Halabja Genocide and Reparations for the Kurdish People

IUSY stands in solidarity with the Kurdish people as we commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Halabja genocide. On March 16, 1988, the Ba'athist regime of Saddam Hussein carried out heinous crimes against humanity, using chemical weapons to massacre over 5,000 innocent Kurdish civilians, including women, children and elderly. This act of genocide was part of the broader Anfal Campaign, which sought to systematically annihilate the Kurdish population in Iraq.

The Halabja genocide remains an enduring wound in the collective memory of the Kurdish people, and its impact is still felt today. Thousands of survivors continue to suffer from severe health complications, and the destruction caused by chemical warfare has left generations struggling with its consequences. Despite international recognition of this atrocity, justice for the victims and survivors remains incomplete.

As the legal successor of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the current Iraqi government bears full responsibility for acknowledging the Halabja genocide and ensuring justice and reparations for its victims. The Iraqi state must officially recognize the genocide, hold accountable those responsible, and take concrete measures to restore the rights of the Kurdish people. This includes providing reparations, ensuring full political and economic rights, and committing to a future where such crimes are never repeated.

IUSY calls upon the Iraqi government, the international community, and human rights organizations to take concrete steps toward justice. The Halabja genocide should be officially recognized at all levels, and meaningful actions must be taken to support survivors and their families. Furthermore, we urge global institutions to remain vigilant in preventing the use of chemical weapons and standing against all forms of ethnic persecution.

The Kurdish people have endured immense injustices, yet their resilience and struggle for self-determination continue to inspire movements for peace and human rights worldwide. We reaffirm their right to self-determination, along with that of all oppressed peoples seeking justice. Today, we honor the memory of those lost and reiterate our commitment to justice, truth, and the recognition of the Halabja genocide.