Key Takeaways
- On April 4, 2024, President Barzani urged the Iraqi government to restore citizenship and return confiscated properties to Feyli Kurds.
- Thousands of Feyli Kurds lost citizenship during Saddam Hussein’s regime, leading to loss of legal status, services, and protections.
- As of April 4, 2025, the Iraqi government has made limited progress on restitution or legislative action for the Feyli Kurds.
The historical injustices faced by the Feyli Kurds in Iraq serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed against ethnic minorities under oppressive regimes. The genocide of the Feyli Kurds, particularly during the late 1970s and early 1980s under Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist rule, has profoundly impacted this community. On April 4, 2024, marking the 44th anniversary of this genocide, President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq made a strong statement emphasizing the need for justice and reparation for the Feyli Kurds. He called for the restoration of their citizenship and the return of confiscated properties. Despite previous acknowledgments of these atrocities by the Iraqi government, little has been done to address the grievances of this deeply affected community. This article examines the historical context of the Feyli Kurds’ genocide, the current state of their citizenship rights, and the implications of President Barzani’s appeal for justice and reconciliation in Iraq.
The Genocide of the Feyli Kurds
Beginning in the late 1970s and extending into the early 1980s, the Feyli Kurds faced severe persecution at the hands of Saddam Hussein’s regime. This brutal campaign of violence included mass killings, forced disappearances, and deportations aimed at erasing their Kurdish identity. The Ba’ath government specifically targeted the Feyli Kurds for their ethnic and political affiliations, resulting in significant loss of life and community identity.
Thousands of Feyli Kurds had their citizenship revoked, stripping them of their legal status and sense of belonging to Iraqi society. The effects of these actions were profound and far-reaching. Without citizenship, many Feyli Kurds lost access to essential services, legal protections, and opportunities for participation in society. Historical accounts and documentation underscore the brutal realities these individuals faced during this dark chapter in Iraq’s history. Various institutions, including the Iraqi High Tribunal and the Iraqi Parliament, recognize these events as genocide.
President Barzani’s Call for Justice
On the 44th anniversary of this genocide, President Nechirvan Barzani called upon the Iraqi federal government to fulfill its obligations toward the Feyli Kurds. He urged comprehensive compensation that includes not only the reinstatement of citizenship but also the return of seized properties and assets. This statement was a strong call to action for the Iraqi authorities to acknowledge and rectify the historical wrongs inflicted upon the Feyli community.
President Barzani highlighted the necessity of addressing the Feyli Kurds’ grievances in accordance with the rulings of the Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court, which officially recognized these acts as genocide. By doing so, he signified the moral obligations of the Iraqi government and the need for a genuine commitment to justice, reconciliation, and healing within Iraqi society.
The Broader Implications of Citizenship Restoration
The restoration of citizenship for the Feyli Kurds is not merely a legal matter; it is a vital component of their identity and dignity as individuals. Citizenship rights encompass the ability to participate fully in political, social, and economic life in Iraq. Regaining their rightful place in society will allow the Feyli Kurds to contribute to the national narrative and pursue opportunities that were unjustly stripped from them during the genocide.
Without citizenship, the Feyli Kurds remain marginalized and disenfranchised, complicating their reintegration into society. The significance of citizenship goes beyond legal rights; it also includes social acceptance and recognition of their identity within the broader Iraqi community. Consequently, the government’s response to Barzani’s appeals is crucial not just for the Feyli Kurds but for the unity and stability of Iraqi society as a whole.
Current Status and Government Response
As of April 4, 2025, there has been little substantial legislative action or commitment from the Iraqi federal authorities to address the historical injustices faced by the Feyli Kurds. Despite recognition of their plight by President Barzani and other leaders, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, progress regarding policy change has been limited. The calls for compensation and citizenship restoration remain largely unanswered, resulting in ongoing frustration and despair within the Feyli community.
This inaction raises concerns about the government’s commitment to its constitutional and moral responsibilities to compensate all victims of the previous Ba’ath regime. The failure to restore citizenship and provide redress to the Feyli Kurds reinforces a sense of historical neglect, which could perpetuate division and hinder reconciliation efforts among Iraq’s diverse communities.
Towards Reconciliation and Healing
President Barzani’s calls for the restoration of citizenship and compensation signal a broader need for reconciliation in Iraq. Addressing the grievances of the Feyli Kurds is crucial for promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among the various ethnic and religious groups in the country. Reconciliation is not just about acknowledging past wrongs; it involves creating an environment where all groups feel valued and integrated into society.
The establishment of a research center, as proposed by former President Masoud Barzani during an international conference, aims to deepen the understanding of the Feyli Kurds’ experiences and the historical injustices they have faced. Such initiatives can play a crucial role in ensuring that their stories are remembered and integrated into the broader narrative of Iraqi history. Ultimately, these efforts facilitate a shift toward acknowledging and addressing past atrocities, laying the groundwork for peace and cohabitation in the future.
The Role of International Support
It is also essential to observe the role of international support in the quest for justice for the Feyli Kurds. Global attention can amplify the calls for citizenship restoration and compensation. Advocacy from international human rights organizations can further pressure the Iraqi government to fulfill its obligations toward the Feyli Kurds. By highlighting the need for acknowledgment and restitution, these organizations play a vital role in keeping the plight of the Feyli Kurds in the public eye and maintaining the momentum for change.
The international community can also take active steps by providing platforms for Feyli Kurds to share their experiences and their demands for justice. Engaging diaspora communities in discussions can empower these populations as advocates for their rights, ensuring their voices echo in political discussions surrounding citizenship and reparations.
Conclusion
The plight of the Feyli Kurds reflects the devastating impacts of genocide and systemic discrimination on marginalized communities. President Nechirvan Barzani’s advocacy for the restoration of citizenship and compensation highlights the urgent need for the Iraqi federal government to prioritize justice for the Feyli Kurds. The journey toward healing and reconciliation is long and challenging, but it is essential for constructing a stable and inclusive Iraq that recognizes the rights and identities of all its citizens.
Acknowledging historical wrongs and taking concrete actions to rectify these grievances is crucial for not only the Feyli Kurds but also the integrity of Iraqi society as a whole. In this pursuit of justice, the voices of the Feyli Kurds must be heard, and their demands for citizenship and recognition must be met with the seriousness they deserve. Only through collective efforts can Iraq move toward a future characterized by healing, unity, and respect for diversity across all its communities.
For more information regarding this process and updates on the status of citizenship restoration for the Feyli Kurds, visit the Iraq Government Official Website. This resource provides authoritative information relevant to the ongoing discussions about citizenship rights and compensation for historical injustices.
Learn Today
Genocide → The systematic extermination of a particular group, often targeting ethnic or political identities, resulting in mass casualties.
Citizenship → The legal status that grants individuals rights and responsibilities within a nation, enabling participation in society.
Reparation → Compensation provided to victims of injustices, aiming to restore dignity and address historical wrongs done against them.
Marginalized → A term used to describe groups that are pushed to the edges of society, often facing exclusion and lack of power.
Reconciliation → The process of restoring harmony and trust among conflicting groups, focusing on acknowledging past grievances and fostering unity.
This Article in a Nutshell
On April 4, 2024, President Nechirvan Barzani urged justice for the Feyli Kurds, reminding us of the genocide they faced under Saddam Hussein. As calls grow for citizenship restoration and reparations, acknowledging historical injustices is vital for unity in Iraq, fostering healing and recognition of marginalized communities’ struggles.
— By VisaVerge.com
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