On March 16, 1988, the town of Halabja in Iraqi Kurdistan became the site of one of the most horrific war crimes of the late 20th century. Under the orders of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi forces launched a chemical weapons attack on the town, killing approximately 5,000 people—most of them civilians, including women and children. Another 10,000 people suffered severe injuries, many of whom have lived with long-term health complications, including respiratory diseases, cancers, and birth defects.
This attack was part of the larger Anfal Campaign (1986-1989), a systematic genocide against the Kurdish people orchestrated by Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist regime. The campaign led to the destruction of thousands of Kurdish villages and the deaths of an estimated 180,000 Kurds, many of whom were executed or buried in mass graves.
The Halabja Massacre is widely regarded as one of the worst chemical attacks on civilians in history. The international community has since recognized it as an act of genocide. In 2010, the Iraqi High Criminal Court officially labeled Anfal as genocide against the Kurdish people.
Each year, March 16 is observed as Halabja Remembrance Day to honor the victims and raise awareness about the atrocities committed. Events are held worldwide, including memorial services, exhibitions, and educational programs.
The attack remains a symbol of Kurdish resilience and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice. Survivors and human rights organizations continue to demand international recognition and legal accountability for the crimes committed.
This day serves as a call for global action against the use of chemical weapons and the necessity of ensuring that genocide and crimes against humanity are never repeated.
