Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has stressed that the Anfal massacre remains one of the most brutal and harrowing campaigns ever undertaken by the former Iraqi regime. He urged both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government to provide full and fair compensation to the victims' families.

The PUK President's statement issued on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the Anfal tragedy reads as follows:

“Today, with heavy hearts, we mark the 37th anniversary of the Anfal Massacre – one of the gravest and most appalling efforts by the former Iraqi regime to annihilate the Kurdish people.

We call upon both the KRG and the Federal Government to carry out their responsibilities towards the families of the noble Anfal victims and to compensate them in every respect. It is the duty of all parties to act upon their legitimate demands and take tangible steps to address them.

As the PUK, we remain unwavering in our commitment to supporting the families of the Anfal martyrs and improving their lives. We vow to stand by them as devoted sons – for their suffering is our own.

Our work continues in the search for the remains of the martyrs, with the hope of bringing them home to their homeland and easing, in some small way, the enduring sorrow borne by the families. These wounds are carried in the hearts of all of us.

On this solemn day, we underscore the importance of unity and solidarity among all sides, so that together we may overcome challenges and achieve our shared goals – above all, to serve the people of Kurdistan with dedication and honour.

We pay our deepest respects to the souls of the martyrs and victims of the Anfal campaign and extend our sincerest support to their courageous families.”