Iraqi Parliament officially recognizes Halabja as Iraq’s 19th governorate

HALABJA, Iraq — In a historic move, the Iraqi Parliament has officially approved the establishment of Halabja Governorate, designating it as Iraq’s 19th governorate.

The vote, a long-awaited step, took place during a parliamentary session chaired by First Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi, with 178 members in attendance, according to a statement from the parliament’s media office. The draft law was submitted by the Regions and Governorates Committees and marks a significant milestone for the region.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani had announced on 13 March 2023, that the Council of Ministers approved the draft law and referred it to Parliament for final approval. However, prior attempts to hold a session for the vote had been unsuccessful.

Halabja, located approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Baghdad, holds profound symbolic importance for Iraqi Kurds. The city was the site of a devastating chemical weapons attack during the final months of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, which resulted in the deaths of over 5,000 civilians, primarily women and children, and left thousands more with severe, long-term health issues.

The recognition of Halabja as a governorate is seen as a significant acknowledgment of its historical and emotional importance to the Kurdish community and a step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of its residents.