Sema
Statement by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on the Anniversary of the Barzani Genocide
On the anniversary of the genocide committed against the Barzanis, we solemnly honor the souls of the victims of this heinous crime, and with them, we remember all the brutal atrocities committed by the former Iraqi regime during the Anfal campaigns, which wrought devastation across all parts of Kurdistan.
On this sorrowful occasion, we pay tribute with great pride and reverence to the memory of the Barzani martyrs. Their memory will forever remain engraved in our hearts, eternal throughout the ages.
For over a century, the Barzan region has withstood assaults and attacks carried out by the enemies of Kurdistan—from mass killings and destruction to acts of terror and persecution. Yet, the resilient and oppressed people of this region—and of Kurdistan as a whole—have bravely defended their homeland, standing firm and inflicting defeat upon the enemies of Kurdistan.
We have always stressed—and once again reiterate—that the federal government must fully assume its legal and constitutional responsibilities toward the victims of the Anfal campaigns, the chemical attacks in Kurdistan, and all other victims of the former regime. It must cease the marginalization of their legitimate rights.
The patriotic people of Kurdistan will never forget these crimes. Future generations must understand that the people of Kurdistan, in all their diversity, have made the greatest sacrifices to preserve their national identity and legitimate rights. They will not relinquish those rights in the slightest and will stand as an unbreakable barrier against anyone who dares to violate the land of Kurdistan or repeat the vile, chauvinistic crimes of the past.
Peace be upon the pure souls of the Barzani martyrs and all the martyrs of Kurdistan.
Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government
July 31, 2025