Peregraf
Halabja has officially become Iraq’s 19th province after the provincialization law was published in the official Iraqi Gazette, al-Waqi’i, the Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani announced today. **“The law has now come into force,” he confirmed, marking a historic and long-awaited milestone for the city.
The move follows Iraqi President Abdul-Latif Rashid’s formal endorsement of the law on April 29, 2025, just days before its enactment. The bill, delayed for years, was finally ratified by the Iraqi Parliament on March 14, 2025, after sustained advocacy by Kurdish political blocs. A parliamentary boycott—used as a last resort—proved decisive in securing the bill’s approval.
With a population of more than 120,000, Halabja encompasses the districts of Halabja, Khurmal, Biara, Sirwan, and Byara. Although the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had recognized Halabja as a province since 2014, today’s federal confirmation grants it full legal status under Iraqi law.
The move carries deep symbolism. Halabja is internationally known for the 1988 chemical weapons attack by Saddam Hussein’s regime, which killed over 5,000 civilians and left thousands more injured. For many, today’s recognition represents both justice for the victims and a new chapter for survivors.
The new status is expected to bring greater political representation, improved public services, and enhanced development opportunities for the region.