To mark ten years of joint humanitarian work and partnership with German organizations and media institutions, the Hand in Hand organization presented a shield of appreciation to the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF). The German partners reaffirmed their commitment to continuing and expanding humanitarian projects in the Kurdistan Region.
A press conference was held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the headquarters of the Barzani Charity Foundation in Erbil to commemorate a decade of humanitarian cooperation between BCF and several German organizations and media institutions. During the event, a shield of appreciation was presented to the President of the Barzani Charity Foundation.
Participants discussed the achievements of ten years of joint cooperation, humanitarian projects supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, assistance for children with special needs, and the importance of maintaining international partnerships in support of the Kurdistan Region.
Musa Ahmad: Six Million Euros in Humanitarian Assistance Through 22 Projects
Musa Ahmad, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, highlighted the important role played by its German partners and several media institutions. He stated that, over the past ten years, Caritas Germany in Essen, Peace Village International (Friedensdorf International), Hand in Hand, the Franciscan organization, and several well-known German newspapers had actively partnered with and supported BCF in implementing 22 projects inside and outside displacement camps.
He explained that the total value of their various forms of assistance had exceeded six million euros, benefiting communities across Erbil and Nineveh governorates.
The BCF president also highlighted the continued operation of several centers established with the support of these partners in Amedi, Sheikhan, and Shingal under the name “Grenzhin.” These centers provide services to children with special needs. He described the successful reintegration of some of these children into mainstream education as a source of happiness and pride for everyone involved.
In another part of his speech, Musa Ahmad noted that, during joint meetings, assurances had been given that the German organizations and newspapers would continue supporting BCF’s work and projects, as well as the humanitarian efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
He expressed his special gratitude to the representatives of the partner organizations and media institutions, reaffirming his appreciation for their efforts and support over the past decade in implementing humanitarian projects and serving displaced people and other vulnerable communities.
Ludger Müller: We Will Remain in the Kurdistan Region and Expand Our Work
Ludger Müller, journalist and president of Hand in Hand, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to continuing its support for the Kurdistan Region. He noted that their newspaper had more than one million readers and that they had consistently encouraged their donors and readership to support the Kurdistan Region.
He explained that their objective was to sustain humanitarian assistance and expand services for displaced people and other vulnerable communities.
Müller emphasized that, while the United States and some international organizations had withdrawn part of their support, his organization would not only continue its work but also strive to expand its activities.
Referring to the difficult conditions facing displaced people and the pressures on the Kurdistan Regional Government, he praised the efforts made to provide shelter and essential services for displaced families and to ease the burden on displacement camps.
The president of Hand in Hand also highlighted projects in healthcare and support for women, children, and people with different needs. He stated that 250 children had benefited from services at the “Smile House” center and subsequently returned to mainstream education, describing this as a remarkable achievement and a source of pride.
Müller added that, following the summer break, they hoped to resume their work with expanded programs and activities. He stressed that the responsibility of journalists and media institutions extended beyond providing financial assistance, explaining that they also sought to raise awareness among the German public about the Kurdistan Region and the humanitarian situation in the area.
Claudia Popp Müller: We Are Not Just Two Humanitarian Organizations; We Are Friends
Claudia Popp Müller, president of Peace Village International (Friedensdorf International), described the relationship between the two organizations as more than an institutional partnership. She emphasized that they were friends and had been working together with the Barzani Charity Foundation for five years.
She explained that their cooperation with BCF initially focused on providing medical assistance to children. In this regard, she stated that approximately 300 children had initially been examined, and nine were identified as requiring medical treatment that could not be provided in the Kurdistan Region. They were therefore referred to Germany for treatment.
Claudia Popp Müller also expressed concern about the worsening conditions in displacement camps. She noted that, despite the delivery of medicines and medical supplies, the needs of the region remained far greater than the assistance currently available, emphasizing the necessity of providing further support.
According to Müller, children from more than 200 nationalities receive treatment and support at their institution and live together in an environment characterized by friendship and mutual understanding. She described this as an important example of peaceful coexistence and friendship among people, expressing her hope that political leaders could also embrace the same spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
Jan Jessen: The Kurdistan Region Has Stood Beside Displaced People During Crises
Jan Jessen, head of the Funke Media Group and deputy president of Caritas Jessen, reflected on his visit to the Kurdistan Region 15 years ago, recalling that he had encountered people full of hope and energy.
Referring to the major humanitarian crises that have affected the region, particularly the displacement crisis in Syria in 2011, Jessen expressed his gratitude to the Barzani Charity Foundation and the people of Kurdistan for mobilizing their resources and extending assistance to displaced people.
He recalled that, at the time, people in Kurdistan had brought mattresses, blankets, and food from their own homes to help displaced families, playing an important role in alleviating their suffering and hardship.
He also pointed to the decline in international assistance following the war against ISIS, stating that, unfortunately, even after ISIS was defeated in 2017, displacement camps remained full and humanitarian needs continued.
The head of the Media Group reaffirmed that they would remain engaged in the Kurdistan Region and expand their activities. He also paid tribute to Musa Ahmad and the Barzani Charity Foundation teams for their voluntary humanitarian service to displaced people in Western Kurdistan, describing their efforts as a powerful and commendable example of humanitarian commitment.
Continued Cooperation: A Message of Hope for the Future of Humanitarian Work in Kurdistan
Sherzad Thomas, head of Caritas in Iraq, attended the event and provided interpretation between Kurdish and German throughout the speeches.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ludger Müller, journalist and president of Hand in Hand, presented the organization’s shield of appreciation to Musa Ahmad, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, in recognition of the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts and its decade-long partnership with German organizations and media institutions.
