On March 16, 2024, the University of Halabja (UoH) commemorated 36th anniversary of the Halabja brutal chemical attack. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Aram Mohammed Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Mahabad Kamil Abdullah, President of UoH, Mr. Azad Tofiq, Governor of Halabja, along with various administrative and political figures, relatives of the martyrs, and UoH faculty members.

The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence, where all attendees paid tribute to the souls of the Kurdistan and Halabja chemical attack victims. Dr. Aram Mohammed delivered a heartfelt speech, extending condolences for the tragic loss suffered by the children, women, and innocent residents of Halabja.

Following this, Prof. Mahabad Kamil Abdullah conveyed her condolences on behalf of the University. The event featured cultural performances, including a drum performance titled “Fingers of the City” by the Nawa group, and an anthem titled “My City” performed by artist Mr. Najm Mohammed Abdullah.

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Bafraw Rawf Hama Yosif ensued, focusing on the theme “Halabja: From Genocide to Reconstruction and Compensation.” The panelists included:

1. Mr. Mohammad Ali Qadri, Head of the Social Welfare Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who presented on the situation and fate of missing children from Halabja in Iran.

2. Dr. Ibar Rohi, who delivered a presentation on the evaluation of the Iranian Court’s decision regarding the case of Frans Cornelis Adrianus van Anraat, a war criminal who supplied raw materials for chemical weapons to Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s regime.

3. Dr. Awara Mohammed Hussein, Dean of the College of Law, who presented on the principles and methods of compensating victims of the Halabja genocide.