The Dakok Organization marked the 37th years of the Halabja chemical attack, one of the most horrific genocidal crimes committed against the Kurdish people. The event served as a solemn remembrance of the tragic events of March 16, 1988, when Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath regime launched a devastating chemical attack on the city of Halabja in Iraqi Kurdistan, killing thousands of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Remembering the Halabja Genocide
The Halabja massacre stands as one of the darkest moments in Kurdish history. As part of Saddam Hussein’s Anfal Campaign, the attack was an act of mass extermination aimed at eradicating Kurdish identity and resistance. Iraqi warplanes dropped mustard gas and nerve agents, causing instant suffocation, severe burns, and agonizing deaths. It is estimated that over 5,000 people lost their lives that day, while thousands more suffered long-term health issues due to exposure to the toxic chemicals.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attack left a deep and lasting scar on Kurdish society. Survivors continue to battle chronic illnesses, psychological trauma, and the loss of their families. The international community has since recognized the Halabja attack as an act of genocide, highlighting the urgent need for justice and historical accountability.
Dakok’s Commitment to Raising Awareness
In honor of this solemn occasion, Dakok Organization held a commemorative event to raise awareness about the genocide of the Kurdish nation and to ensure that the world does not forget the atrocities committed against the people of Kurdistan. The event, attended by Dakok members from across the UK, served as a platform to highlight the historical significance of Halabja and the ongoing struggles faced by survivors and their families.
The commemoration included:
- Speeches from activists and community leaders emphasizing the importance of remembrance and justice.
- Documentary screenings detailing the impact of the Halabja attack.
- A moment of silence to honor the victims of the chemical bombing.
- Discussions on human rights violations and the continued oppression of Kurds in the region.
Dakok Expands with the Launch of Leeds Council
Alongside the commemoration event, Dakok Organization convened its first official meeting of 2025, during which it formally announced the establishment of a Leeds Council as part of its ongoing expansion efforts. The event was hosted at the Kurdish Community Center (Kurdish House, Leeds), to whom Dakok extends its sincere gratitude for their support and generosity in providing the venue for this important initiative.
The newly formed Leeds Council is envisioned as a vital branch of Dakok’s organizational structure, designed to strengthen advocacy, community engagement, and awareness campaigns across Leeds and its surrounding areas. This development marks a significant milestone in Dakok’s institutional growth, expanding its capacity to serve Kurdish communities, enhance its outreach, and reinforce its mission of combating injustice, corruption, and human rights violations in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
During the meeting, members of Dakok exercised their democratic right through a majority vote, resulting in the election of Mr. Gailan Mohammed Karim as the Head of the Leeds Council. His appointment reflects both the trust placed in him by the membership and Dakok’s commitment to participatory leadership and transparency in decision-making processes.
A Unified Effort for Justice and Recognition
Dakok’s commemoration event in Leeds was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Kurdish people. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the Halabja attack, ensuring that the tragedy is never forgotten, and continuing to advocate for Kurdish rights on both a national and international level.
With the launch of the Leeds Council, Dakok takes another step forward in strengthening its activism and community engagement, ensuring that the Kurdish struggle for justice, democracy, and recognition continues to gain momentum.
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