In May 2024, Iraqi Deputy Parliament Speaker Shakhawan Abdullah announced that the commemoration of the chemical attack on Halabja has been declared a public holiday throughout Iraq.
Abdullah highlighted that this decision marks a significant moment after the fall of the Ba'ath regime. He stated that March 16th, the date of the Halabja chemical attack, will now be observed as an official holiday across Iraq. This day will also commemorate the Anfal campaign and other crimes committed by the previous regime.
On March 16th 1988, in the final days of the Iran-Iraq War, Saddam Hussein's regime unleashed a devastating chemical assault on Halabja. Chemical gas canisters were dropped into the town, resulting in the deaths of 5,000 civilians and injured another 7,000.
A memorial for the chemical attack was built in Halabja. However, 7,000 residents came out to protest in 2006, stating that the government had the funds to build the memorial but neglected the basic needs of the impoverished population. The memorial was set alight and rebuilt again.
