A solemn commemoration ceremony honoring the victims of the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal campaigns, and the Barzani Anfal was held in London on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The event took place at Lambeth Council’s Assembly Hall as part of ongoing efforts to raise international awareness of the suffering endured by the Kurdish people and to advocate for their political and human rights on the global stage.
The ceremony brought together a distinguished group of attendees, including British parliamentary representatives, the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the UK, members of the UK Foreign Office including the head of the Kurdistan Desk, as well as representatives from across the Kurdish political spectrum representing all parts of Kurdistan.
A written message was delivered on behalf of H.E Shafa Barzani, who was unable to attend in person. In his message, he described the Halabja massacre, the Anfal campaign in Garmian, and the atrocities committed against the Barzani people as part of a deliberate and systematic effort to eradicate Kurdish identity, dignity, and existence.
He cautioned that, despite ongoing efforts toward freedom and self-determination, the underlying mentality that enabled such crimes has not entirely disappeared, noting that similar threats persist in parts of Kurdistan.
At the same time, his message strongly emphasized the importance of peace. He underlined that remembrance must go beyond mourning, serving as a foundation for building a future rooted in peace, justice, and coexistence. As he stated: “We remember the Halabja and Anfal atrocities not only to mourn the past, but to build a future grounded in peace, justice, and coexistence.” He also highlighted the growing solidarity of the Kurdish diaspora, alongside the support of international allies, as a vital force in safeguarding peace and preventing the recurrence of such atrocities.
He concluded by stressing that the memory of Halabja, Anfal, and the Barzani Anfal should reinforce unity among Kurds and their allies, while encouraging continued commitment to dialogue, recognition, and peaceful solutions as the basis for lasting stability.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for justice, remembrance, and peace, ensuring that these tragedies remain central to international awareness and to efforts aimed at preventing future crimes against humanity.
By: Davan Yahya Khalil