International Conference on "Kurdish Genocide" in Sulaymaniyah

The second international scientific conference, titled "The Genocide of the Kurdish People and Its Implications in Literature, Art, and Media," will be held in the city of Sulaymaniyah in Southern Kurdistan.

According to Roj News Agency, the conference is being held under the supervision of Hama Saeed, Minister of Education and Youth in the Kurdistan Regional Government, and will feature the participation of several officials and academics. It will focus on the massacres committed against the Kurdish people in the four parts of Kurdistan, as well as the repressive policies practiced by occupying powers against them.

The conference began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by a speech by Minister Hama Saeed, who emphasized the importance of continuing to hold such conferences after the success of the first conference in 2023, highlighting the need to preserve the Kurdish literary and artistic heritage.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Amanj Saeed explained that the conference represents a unique effort to examine the genocide from a scientific perspective, emphasizing that literature, art, and media are essential tools for preserving history and conveying the truth. He also emphasized the potential for leveraging this experience to promote development, peace, justice, and prevent the recurrence of crimes.

Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abu Bakr emphasized that the genocide against the Kurds was the product of oppressive regimes that rejected diversity and targeted not only individuals but also the Kurdish environment and heritage. He emphasized the importance of documenting these crimes internationally and honoring the victims of the Anfal campaign, calling for the preparation of special Anfal files as a necessary step for any future path.

Abu Bakr added that the world has recognized the rights of the Kurdish people after decades of oppression. However, he also warned of the dangers of internal divisions, emphasizing the need for Kurdish unity under the autonomy of the Kurdistan Region, the autonomous administration in Western Kurdistan, and reconciliation efforts in Northern Kurdistan.

The conference includes 23 papers by researchers from seven countries, including Egypt and Tunisia, along with contributions from Iraqi cities and provinces and southern Kurdistan. These papers focus on the role of literature and art in conveying the suffering of the Kurds and the people of Kurdistan to the international community. It coincides with the 37th anniversary of the 1988 Anfal campaign in Bahdinan.

ANHA