Van Hollen, Blackburn Introduce Resolution to Recognize Campaign of Genocide Against Kurds in Iraq

Press Release

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the campaign of genocide against the Kurdish people in Iraq. The two Members serve as leading members of the Kurdish American Caucus.

Van Hollen said, "Beginning the late 1960s, Saddam Hussein led a decades-long campaign of genocide against the Kurdish minority in Iraq. Thousands of people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands lost their homes. Today, Kurds around the world are still dealing with the consequences of that tragedy. This resolution is a message to the world, and especially the survivors and families of those touched by this calamity -- we have not forgotten, our hearts go out to those affected, and we will not let the memory of this crime fade away."

"Kurdish immigrants have become an important component in the social-fabric of the greater Nashville-area. It is past time that the United States government recognizes the horrible human rights violations that have befallen the Kurdish people in Northern Iraq," Blackburn said. "These crimes are the reason that many escaped and sought refuge in the United States. Shining a light on events, like those that happened at Halabja, will help create a world in which genocide and human rights violations will no longer be tolerated."

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