Iraqi parliament passes historic bill to make Halabja Iraq's 19th province

In a historic move on Monday, Iraq's parliament passed a bill officially designating Halabja, in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan region, as the country's 19th province. 

The move was met with celebration from both residents of Halabja and Iraqi and Kurdish officials, who hailed it as a step towards justice for the victims of one of the most horrific chemical attacks in modern history.

The bill, passed with the attendance of 178 MPs, was presented by the "Committees on Regions and Governorates not Organised in a Region" and the Legal Committee. It was approved after years of political disputes and delays, including divisions between Erbil and Baghdad and stalled efforts among Sunni and Shia lawmakers.

Saddam Hussein's regime attacked Halabja with chemical weapons on 16 March 1988, during the Iran-Iraq War. The attack killed over 5,000 people and wounded tens of thousands, making it one of the most horrific instances of chemical warfare targeting civilians. 

Decades later, Halabja's residents continue to suffer from inadequate public services, high unemployment, and unfulfilled political promises, with the Iraqi government yet to apologise or compensate the victims' families.

In a phone interview with The New Arab, Kwestan Akram, former chairwoman of Halabja Municipality, described the decision as "a historic move on a historic day."

She emphasised that this step should be followed by swift action to implement the law, including measures for compensating the victims.

"I hope this step also contributes to measures for due compensations to the people of Halabja," she added.

Akram also expressed hope that Halabja would receive essential infrastructure, including an international airport and key public services.

Kurdish lawmaker Arian Taugozi, a member of the New Generation opposition party, stressed that his party had played a crucial role in pushing for the bill. 

Taugozi, who is from Halabja, described the move as a recognition of the genocide that occurred in Halabja, adding that it would entitle the province to a share of Iraq's federal budget and benefits from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). 

"The move would offer new jobs for people of Halabja through opening federal offices and new KRG institutions," he said, highlighting its potential to boost the region's economy and reduce unemployment.

However, regarding Halabja's participation in Iraq's parliamentary elections later this year, Taugozi noted that the electoral law would need to be amended. Given Halabja's smaller population, he suggested that efforts should be made to broaden the province’s geography to allow for future electoral participation.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid extended his congratulations to the people of Halabja in a statement from the Iraqi News Agency, describing the law’s passage as a "long-awaited justice" and a step towards retribution for the martyrs who died in the chemical attack.

The passage of the law finalises a process that had been delayed for more than a decade. In 2013, the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved the proposal to make Halabja a province, separating it from Sulaimaniyah province.

However, disagreements between Erbil and Baghdad, alongside political divisions within Iraq’s legislature, resulted in prolonged delays.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also welcomed the decision, calling it "a source of great joy for us and for all the people of Kurdistan."

He expressed hope that Halabja's provincial status would lead to better development and reconstruction in the region.

Although the KRG had declared Halabja a province in 2014, the Iraqi parliament had not fully recognised the decision until now.

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), praised the Kurdish factions in Iraq's parliament for securing the achievement for Halabja. 

Masrour Barzani, the KRG PM, also congratulated the people of Halabja, expressing a commitment to continue working with the federal government in Baghdad to secure a special budget for the region’s reconstruction.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), also celebrated the historic vote. Talabani highlighted that the decision was a reminder of the shared history and sacrifices of the Kurdish people, and pledged to continue protecting Halabja's rights in the future.

The formal recognition of Halabja as a province marks a significant milestone for both the Kurdish people and Iraq, solidifying Halabja's status as a vital part of the country’s federal framework.