Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute Established
to Undertake Treatment, Research and Humanitarian Assistance
From August 2 – 6, 1999, the Washington Kurdish Institute and Dr. Christine Gosden convened a seminar in Cartigny, Switzerland to detail plans for a treatment and research program for survivors of chemical and biological weapons attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The conference was sponsored by the US Department of State. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Sweden and several international NGOs also provided financial support for participants. Invited guests and participants included the Mayor of Halabja, representatives of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan (IMK), the Health Ministers of the Kurdistan Regional Governments, officials of various governments, UN agency personnel, international NGOs working in Iraqi Kurdistan and doctors from the region, including the Deans of Medical Colleges in Suleymaniya, Erbil and Dohuk.
The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, John Pace, addressed an open forum on August 3 to express the support of Mary Robinson’s office for the proposed programs and to highlight compelling underlying human rights issues. A representative of the US Department of State delivered remarks in support of the program on behalf of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Beth Jones. The UN Representative from the Holy See (Vatican) addressed the forum, and the Mayor of Halabja invited Pope John Paul to his city during his upcoming visit to Iraq.
Seminar participants agreed to establish a post-graduate medical institute based at four centers (three medical colleges in Iraqi Kurdistan and a hospital in Halabja) in order to begin treatment and research of chemical and biological weapon exposures. A coordinating council was established to provide a framework for development and prioritization of resources, international advocacy, communications and data exchange between centers, and coordination with regional governments and international NGOs. Participants discussed the implications of UN Security Council Resolution 986 (oil-for-food) as well as logistics, security and other issues.
The proposed academic structure will ensure that humanitarian/medical responses sensitively and ethically lay the groundwork for a stringent scientific process needed to determine the long-term affects of chemical weapons. Participants discussed implementation of an innovative survey to determine special health care needs and prioritize treatment for people exposed to chemical and biological weapons. The structure would integrate long-term international research and immediate health response efforts, while providing a mechanism for the delivery of international assistance.. Implementation of proposed programs will help develop the regional medical infrastructure and empower local doctors. The structure will enable international experts to work in the region and share relevant experience and data.
Seminar participants acknowledged frustration at the lack of international assistance and the need to begin work immediately to provide support to a population neglected by the international community for more than 11 years. Participants pledged to work together to address the continued suffering of those exposed to weapons of mass destruction, especially those living in Halabja.