FCDO Minister statement on 34th anniversary of the Anfal campaign

Minister for Asia and the Middle East, Amanda Milling, said:

Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the Anfal campaign – Saddam Hussein’s brutal campaign against the Kurdish people in Iraq. Tens of thousands of Iraqi Kurds were slaughtered and thousands more injured, maimed and expelled from their homes. The use of chemical weapons in such a coordinated and planned manner by a state against its own people is horrific beyond comprehension.

My thoughts are with those who died, those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, and those that continue to suffer from the tragic events of 1988. We mark this occasion to honour the memories of those who died and to ensure we never forget Saddam Hussein’s monstrous crimes against the Kurdish people.

The UK remains committed in its support for the peace and prosperity of the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.