Halabja Officially Becomes Iraq's 19th Governorate Following Publication of Law

PUKMEDIA

The Monument of Halabja

The law establishing Halabja Governorate was published in the Iraqi Gazette in today's edition, Monday, 5 May 2025. As a result, the law comes into effect, making Halabja the 19th governorate in Iraq and the fourth in the Kurdistan Region.

Dr. Khalid Shawani, the Federal Minister of Justice, stated during a press conference monitored by PUKMEDIA: "The law establishing Halabja Governorate has been published in the Iraqi Gazette. We will resubmit the law to the relevant presidencies and authorities in both the federal and regional governments. A presidential decree will be issued regarding this, and the decree will also be published in the Iraqi Gazette next week."

Dr. Shwani further added: "This marks the conclusion of the legal procedures for establishing Halabja Governorate. While we commend all those who contributed to the enactment of the law, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kurdistan in general and the citizens of Halabja Governorate in particular, with the hope that the law will better serve the people of Halabja." The Minister of Justice also noted that "In line with the decision of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, instructions for the establishment of Halabja Governorate must be issued within 60 days."

The Iraqi parliament voted on the draft law to establish Halabja Governorate on 14 April 2025, officially making it the 19th governorate in Iraq.

His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, also ratified the law, which had been approved by the Iraqi parliament. Additionally, he issued a Republican Decree to establish the governorate during a special ceremony on 29 April 2025 at the Baghdad Palace, attended by several members of Parliament, officials, and representatives from the families of the victims of the chemical attack.



PUKMEDIA