KRG High Representative Attends London Launch Highlighting Anfal Atrocities
News : 4/21/2026
Karwan Jamal Taher KRG High Representative
to the UK attended a special event marking the publication of the novel The
Resurrected at the P21 Gallery in London.
The book’s author, Joost Hilterman, long close
friend of the Kurdish people has been visiting the Kurdistan Region since the
1991 uprising to document evidence related to the Anfal campaign and the
genocide of the Kurdish population. Over the years, he has produced a number of
research and books examining these atrocities.
During the event, Hilterman presented an
overview of the novel alongside historical documentation and testimonies
detailing the various stages of the Anfal campaign. He also drew on interviews
with survivors of the attacks, many of whom shared first-hand accounts of the
violence they witnessed. He stressed the need for greater engagement from
writers and novelists to bring international attention to these crimes and help
ensure they are not repeated.
The event drew attendees from across the
Kurdish community in the United Kingdom, as well as supporters of the Kurdish
cause. A discussion session followed, with participants highlighting the
importance of sustained, coordinated efforts to secure global recognition of
the Anfal campaign as genocide.
Speaking at the event, the KRG High Representative
expressed gratitude to Hilterman for his ongoing work in documenting and
raising awareness of the atrocities. He emphasised that efforts to highlight
the Anfal campaign and the use of chemical weapons must extend beyond regional
boundaries and gain broader international recognition. He noted that, to date,
no government, either in Europe or elsewhere, has formally recognised these
crimes as genocide.
He added that writers, intellectuals and
cultural figures have a responsibility to amplify awareness through their work,
contributing to international recognition and helping to prevent such
atrocities from recurring.
The event concluded with an exhibition of
works by 12 Kurdish artists, followed by a musical performance by Ayesha Khan,
whose piece reflected the suffering endured during the Anfal campaign.
London
21st April 2026