University of Duhok – August, 2026, University Press Office (UNPO) | Under the auspices of the Governor of Duhok, Dr. Ali Tatar, and in coordination between the Center for Genocide Studies at the University of Duhok and the General Directorate of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs in Duhok, the 38th anniversary of the Badinan Anfal crime was commemorated on August 26, 2026, in a dignified and special ceremony at the University of Duhok Conference Center.

The ceremony was attended by the families of the Anfal victims, the Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Organization Bureau in Duhok Governorate, Mr. Sarbast Lazgin, the Governor of Duhok, Dr. Ali Tatar, the Deputy Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs, Mr. Nafsar Nuri Abdal, the President of the University of Duhok, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, along with the participation of a significant number of parliament members, university representatives, as well as administrative, partisan, and religious figures from Duhok Governorate, and various media outlets.

Speeches and Messages of the Ceremony

During the ceremony, following the screening of a short documentary about the Badinan Anfal prepared by the University of Duhok, the opening speech was delivered by the Director of the Center for Genocide Studies, Dr. Idris Musa. He discussed the stages of the Anfal operations, particularly the eighth Anfal, and highlighted the role of the University of Duhok as an academic center in researching and documenting the genocide and raising local and international awareness. For his part, the Governor of Duhok, Dr. Ali Tatar, thanked all parties that served as a refuge for the Kurdish people and assisted in documenting the crime. He also mentioned the destruction of 488 villages and the preparation of the Genocide Museum at Nizarke Fort. The speech on behalf of the victims' families was delivered by Ms. Anfal, who thanked President Barzani and the organizers of the commemoration, and called for intensifying efforts toward the international recognition of this crime.

Documentary, Special Panel, and the Return of Remains

In another segment of the ceremony, a documentary film was shown depicting the life and struggle of two martyred Peshmergas (Farid and Arjan), in whose honor two statues were erected in Ba'adre as a tribute to their sacrifice. Furthermore, a special panel on the Badinan Anfal was held, moderated by Dr. Farhad Slevani and presented by Mr. Sarbast Lazgin. As an eyewitness and a Peshmerga, he detailed the military and political dimensions of the Anfal operations and the chemical attacks perpetrated by the Ba'ath regime. At the conclusion of the program, following a special musical piece played by artist Bashar Nay, the Deputy Minister of Martyrs Affairs, in his speech, handed over the DNA test results of seven remains of victims from Mergeti to their families, along with the distribution of a French-language book on the Anfal crimes.

Objectives of Commemorating the Anniversary at the University of Duhok

The commemoration of this anniversary is held as a tribute and to honor the victims of the Badinan region, representing a fundamental part of the academic and national duty of the University of Duhok. The University of Duhok makes earnest efforts to document the genocide crimes committed against the Kurdish people, and hosting these ceremonies reaffirms the university's vision of emphasizing its social and national role.

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University Press Office, August 26, 2026
Report: Mahir Tahir Salih
Photos: Mohammed A. Tahir