The German Parliament presented the Barzani Charity Foundation with a Humanitarian Award of Recognition during the commemoration of the Foundation’s 21st anniversary, as a gesture of appreciation for its continuous role and efforts in the field of humanitarian work and services, as well as its assistance to affected and vulnerable individuals and communities.
Musa Ahmed, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, welcomed Sardar Yüksel, Member of the German Parliament, during a press conference held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Erbil on August 6, 2026. He expressed the Foundation’s gratitude to Mr. Yüksel, saying that he “has always been a sincere brother and friend, cooperating with and supporting the Foundation’s work.”
He considered the German Parliament’s recognition a sign of the international community’s trust in the work and transparency of the Barzani Charity Foundation, demonstrating that the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts and services have gone beyond local borders and deserve appreciation and support.
He also noted that since Sardar Yüksel first became a member of the German Parliament, he has worked to establish a parliamentary group among Kurdish members and those who have played a role in supporting the Kurdish cause.
German Development Minister to Visit the Kurdistan Region and Iraq Soon
According to the German parliamentarian, the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development will soon make an official visit to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Musa Ahmed described the visit as highly important and significant.
In another part of his speech, the President of the Barzani Charity Foundation reiterated that a large number of displaced people and refugees still remain in the Kurdistan Region, and that this remains an important issue between Germany and the Kurdistan Region, particularly given the large number of Yazidis living in Germany and in camps in the Kurdistan Region.
He emphasized that serious efforts are being made to facilitate the voluntary return of all displaced and refugee Yazidis to their homeland. He also thanked the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Interior for their cooperation with the Foundation in this field. He expressed hope that, through discussions between visiting delegations and delegations traveling from the region, the existing shortcomings and obstacles could be addressed more effectively in order to move closer to solutions.
Voluntary Return of Displaced Yazidis Depends on the Implementation of the Sinjar Agreement
Musa Ahmed also stated that the issue of Sinjar has always been important to Sardar Yüksel and that he has planned to visit Lalish during his current visit.
He explained that the voluntary return of displaced Yazidis to their homes and homeland, as well as the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, requires Germany’s support for various services.
Sardar Yüksel, Member of the German Parliament, then delivered a speech in which he expressed his happiness at being able to convey the greetings, message of appreciation, and the Humanitarian Award of Recognition from the German Parliament to the Barzani Charity Foundation, particularly in recognition of the Foundation’s continuous humanitarian efforts and services.
He emphasized that the award would serve as a new motivation for the Barzani Charity Foundation to continue its humanitarian mission and expand its services to affected and vulnerable people.
He said: “I came to Kurdistan this week to congratulate the Barzani Charity Foundation on the occasion of its 21st anniversary. This is a very important organization, not only here in Kurdistan. I hope and wish that you will continue this good work.”
He also stated that another reason for his visit was to commemorate the Yazidi genocide, of which everyone witnessed the tragedy that befell the Yazidi people. He said: “Many Yazidis were able to survive because here in Kurdistan, protection and places for their settlement were provided. They were supported here, and thousands of Peshmerga fighters gave their lives to defend that freedom.”
We Will Never Forget What You, the Government and the Peshmerga, Did for the Displaced
Sardar Yüksel spoke with great appreciation and gratitude about the assistance and services provided by the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Peshmerga, and the Barzani Charity Foundation to displaced people, saying: “We will never forget what you, the government and the Peshmerga, did for the displaced.”
We Stand with the Kurds and the Kurdish People and Defend the Freedom of the Kurds
He also explained that the Kurdistan Region is under significant pressure due to the war between the United States and Iran. Regarding this, he said: “The missile attacks that are also taking place here in Kurdistan are unacceptable. Therefore, as members of parliament, we want to say: the Kurds are not alone here.
“We, as Germany, stand alongside the Kurds and the Kurdish people and defend the freedom of the Kurds. I am also pleased to say that at the end of this year, the German Minister will visit Kurdistan to see the situation here firsthand.”
In his concluding remarks, he said: “For us, you are a necessary and trusted partner, both for national and international work. I hope, especially on this anniversary, as we commemorate the displacement of the Yazidis from Sinjar, that people will be able to return to their homeland in peace and freedom. Until a suitable opportunity arises, they need a dignified human life here, and for this purpose, this responsibility falls upon you.”
The Humanitarian Award of Recognition from the German Parliament was presented to the Barzani Charity Foundation as the Foundation marks 21 years of continuous humanitarian work and services. Throughout these years, the Foundation has responded to various crises and humanitarian circumstances and has sought to support affected and vulnerable individuals and communities by providing assistance and services.
For the Barzani Charity Foundation, this award is not merely recognition of its past; it is also a new source of support for continuing its humanitarian mission and serving those who need assistance and support.
