President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region has called upon the Iraqi government to provide compensation to the Feyli Kurds and to restore their property and citizenship rights, marking the 44th anniversary of the genocide perpetrated against them by the former Ba’athist regime. In a statement released by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, President Barzani emphasized the need for acknowledgment and restitution for the atrocities committed against the Feyli Kurds, who suffered killings, arrests, expulsions, and citizenship stripping during the brutal campaign launched in the early 1980s.

The Feyli Kurds, an ethnic group adhering to the Shiite sect of Islam, were targeted in a systematic ethnic cleansing campaign by the former Ba’athist regime, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the deportation of many others to Iran. The atrocities, which occurred primarily in regions including Baghdad, Diyala, and Khanaqin, saw Feyli Kurds subjected to grave human rights violations, including arbitrary killings and forced displacement.

President Barzani's statement underscored the importance of rectifying past injustices, describing the campaign against the Feyli Kurds as a dark chapter in Iraq's history that has led to enduring suffering and instability. The President urged both reflection on the mistakes of the past and decisive action to ensure justice and reparations for the victims and their descendants.

Despite official recognition of the genocide by the Iraqi High Tribunal in 2008 and the Iraqi Parliament in 2010, the Feyli Kurds have yet to receive Iraqi citizenship or compensation for the crimes committed against them. The lack of restitution has compounded the longstanding grievances of the Feyli community, many of whom were stripped of their properties and assets, disproportionately affecting their livelihoods and economic well-being.

President Barzani's call for redress comes amid ongoing efforts to address historical injustices and promote reconciliation in Iraq. The statement resonates with broader calls for accountability and restitution for victims of past atrocities, signaling a commitment to confronting and acknowledging the country's troubled past while striving for a more inclusive and equitable future.

President Nechirvan Barzani's appeal to the Iraqi government to compensate the Feyli Kurds and restore their rights reflects a broader recognition of the need for justice and reconciliation in Iraq. As the nation grapples with the legacies of past atrocities, the President's statement serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of historical injustices and the imperative of addressing them to foster healing and unity.