Last year, 25 years later, the movement to recognize the exactions perpetrated against the Iraqi Kurds as genocide finally gathered steam in the international arena. Several States embarked on the initiative, including Canada, France, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The recognition of this event implicates the acknowledgement of the persecution of the Kurds and the terror inflicted upon them, as well as the lack of action by the international community to protect them and further bring to justice its perpetrators. During the first commemoration of the Halabja Massacre in 2009, the United Nations urged for its recognition as genocide to deter future atrocities. Therefore, the importance of this recognition lies also on the prevention of future acts of genocide.

In December 2012  the city of The Hague approved a plan to build a monument commemorating the Halabja genocide. The city’s continuous efforts to promote human rights have brought international attention to its unique position as the “City of Peace and Justice”. Adding to this is the fact that The Hague hosts the headquarter of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the very weapons that killed more than 5000 Kurds in Halabja 25 years ago.
ANF – News Desk 16.03.2014

F
E
E
D

B
A
C
K