*Statement of the Kurdistan Teachers' Union on the 37th Anniversary of the Halabja Tragedy*

March 16th marks one of the most painful events and disasters that has befallen our Kurdish people, when the Ba'ath regime committed the most heinous crimes against humanity targeting the civilian population of beloved Halabja. The **Halabja** tragedy, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people and injured thousands more, saw the city and its defenseless people targeted by treacherous chemical bombardment. **37 years** have passed since this tragedy, but its effects remain vivid in our people's memory, and the pain continues in the hearts of victims' families and survivors.

The Kurdistan Teachers' Union, on this solemn anniversary:

1. Calls on the Iraqi Federal Government to assume its legal and moral responsibilities toward the victims' families through financial and moral compensation, and providing more health and social support to those affected who still suffer from the consequences of this crime. We also call on the Iraqi government to fulfill its obligations toward the city of Halabja, especially after its recognition as an official governorate.

2. Urges the Kurdistan Regional Government to strengthen basic services and infrastructure in Halabja Governorate, and to achieve comprehensive development befitting this city that has become a symbol of resilience and sacrifice.

3. Emphasizes the need to improve living conditions and education for its people, and to provide the best healthcare for survivors and families of martyrs.

4. Calls on the international community to fully recognize the disaster as genocide, and to continue supporting efforts to achieve justice and prevent the recurrence of such crimes against any people in the world.

On this painful anniversary, we bow with respect to the souls of Halabja's martyrs, and pledge to them that their cause will remain alive in our conscience.

**Glory and immortality to the martyrs of Halabja**

Kurdistan Teachers' Union - Iraq

March 16, 2025