For more than twenty years, the teams of the Barzani Charity Foundation have devoted themselves to humanitarian service and relief work, working tirelessly day and night to deliver assistance and services to people in need. Here, we highlight some of the Foundation’s activities during April 2026.
At the beginning of April 2026, in the presence of Musa Ahmad, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, Gohdar Sheikho, Supervisor of the Independent Administration of Zakho, several government officials, donors, representatives of civil society organizations, political parties, and media outlets, the Hajar Autism Center in Zakho was officially inaugurated on Thursday, 2/4/2026.
The construction costs of the center were funded by Hajar Shingali and Ibrahim Shingali, while the responsibility for managing and operating the center was entrusted to the Barzani Charity Foundation, which possesses considerable experience in this field. In addition to the autism centers in Erbil, Soran, and Zakho, a similar center is expected to open soon in Duhok.
On 2/4/2026, at the Mother Community Center in Soran, the Barzani Charity Foundation organized a variety of activities to mark World Autism Awareness Day. These included academic, sports, and artistic activities, as well as the presentation of the “Tree of Togetherness” artwork, where 52 wonderful children, alongside their caring teachers, created a vibrant living painting using colorful fingerprints.
The purpose of the event was to emphasize that autism is a difference, not a disease. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to create an environment in which these children feel safe, supported, and fully accepted.
On the same occasion, World Autism Awareness Day, several activities were also held at the Granzhin Home Center in Amedi in the presence of the Director of Social Care and Development. Gifts were presented to children as a gesture of appreciation and support. The main objective was to continue paying close attention to the needs of children with special needs and provide genuine support for the development of their abilities.
Moorhead and Zakho Announce Friendship Partnership
Khunav Amin, representative of the Barzani Charity Foundation in the United States, participated, upon the invitation of Ms. Jihan Brevki, in the ceremony announcing the friendship partnership between the cities of Moorhead and Zakho. The event took place on 5/4/2026, during which the partnership between the two cities was officially declared.
Distribution of Financial and Household Assistance in Zakho
On 5/4/2026, the Zakho office of the Barzani Charity Foundation, in cooperation with Azar Foundation, distributed financial aid and household necessities to 10 poor and low-income families in Zakho.
Emergency Assistance for Returning Displaced Families in Afrin
On 5/4/2026, the Afrin office of the Barzani Charity Foundation provided emergency assistance to 200 families who had returned to their homes in Afrin after a period of displacement. The aid included food, drinking water, milk, and gifts for children.
The Barzani Charity Foundation maintains offices in Afrin and Qamishlo in Rojava Kurdistan, where it continues to provide a wide range of humanitarian services to the people of the region.
The Barzani Charity Foundation and the Ministry of Interior Cooperate to Combat Narcotic Substances
A delegation from the Ministry of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government visited the headquarters of the Barzani Charity Foundation in Erbil on 6/4/2026, where they were warmly welcomed by Musa Ahmad, President of the Foundation.
During the meeting, attended by Dr. Rawasht Rashid, Supervisor of the National Campaign Against Narcotics, both sides discussed in detail and in a professional manner the implementation of joint activities and collaborative efforts. They also emphasized the importance of greater coordination to raise public awareness about the dangers of narcotic substances and their harmful effects on society.
At the same meeting, it was agreed that joint activities would begin in the near future, starting with specialized training courses for a number of Ministry of Interior employees.
Food Baskets Distributed in Khazer Camp
On 7/4/2026, the Barzani Charity Foundation, in cooperation with Al-Sharqiya TV, distributed food baskets to 146 families residing in Khazer M1 Camp in Erbil Governorate.
Despite all efforts by the Barzani Charity Foundation to continue supporting displaced persons and refugees across the Kurdistan Region, humanitarian assistance from many international organizations has significantly declined or completely stopped. Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Iraq has provided little to no support, even for Iraqi citizens living in displacement camps across the Kurdistan Region.
The Afrin office of the Barzani Charity Foundation also welcomed returning displaced families on 14/4/2026 and provided them with various forms of humanitarian assistance.
Support for Displaced and Orphaned Children During the Ezidi New Year
As part of a humanitarian initiative, the Granzhin Home Center in Shekhan, in cooperation with the Barzani Charity Foundation and an Ezidi donor living abroad, distributed festive clothing to displaced and orphaned children in the camps of Shekhan, Mam Rashan, and Essian during the Ezidi New Year celebration (Red Wednesday).
The initiative brought joy and happiness to the children, who were delighted to receive new clothes for the occasion.
Donation of Respiratory Devices in Zakho
On 18/4/2026, the Zakho office of the Barzani Charity Foundation, in cooperation with IEH, donated 50 respiratory devices for children to the Zakho Health Directorate.
Over the past twenty years, the Barzani Charity Foundation has consistently prioritized the healthcare sector, particularly in the fields of physical and mental health. Through the provision of medicines, doctors, healthcare centers, mobile clinics, medical supplies for hospitals, and public health awareness campaigns in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the Foundation has implemented numerous healthcare projects both inside and outside the Kurdistan Region.
Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Work
On 19/4/2026, the Barzani Charity Foundation organized a specialized workshop on “Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Work,” presented scientifically and professionally by lecturer Alan Sattar.
The President of the Foundation, members of the executive board, department directors, and section heads participated in the workshop. Participants showed great interest in the subject and engaged in productive discussions about the outcomes and future applications of artificial intelligence in humanitarian work.
Support for a Flood-Affected Family in Shiladze
On 19/4/2026, the Amedi office of the Barzani Charity Foundation provided food and non-food assistance to a family in Shiladze that had suffered severe damage due to flooding.
The assistance included food baskets, clothing, blankets, cleaning supplies, and household necessities such as stoves and cooking equipment.
The Barzani Charity Foundation in the United Kingdom Participates in the Anfal and Chemical Attack Memorial
Awat Mustafa, representative of the Barzani Charity Foundation in Europe, participated on 19/4/2026 in a memorial ceremony commemorating the victims of the Anfal Campaign and chemical attacks at Lambeth Town Hall in London.
During the ceremony, which was attended by representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government, members of parliament, representatives of Kurdish political parties, and diplomats from Iraq and the United Kingdom, Awat Mustafa delivered a speech highlighting the active role of the Foundation in humanitarian projects. He emphasized that these efforts reflect the generosity of donors and the dedication and hard work of the Foundation’s staff and volunteers.
First Aid Training Courses Continue
As part of its commitment to strengthening employees’ capacities, ensuring their safety, and preparing them to respond effectively during emergencies, the Barzani Charity Foundation organized a “First Aid” training course for employees from various departments of the Mother Community Center in the Soran Independent Administration.
The course was conducted over four days, 15, 16, 22, and 23 April 2026. Dr. Karzan Osman delivered the training sessions professionally and scientifically, introducing participants to the latest first aid techniques and emergency response methods.
Similarly, a first aid training course was organized for employees of the Foundation’s Garmian office. The course took place over three days, 21, 22, and 23 April 2026, and was presented scientifically by Dr. Rebaz Osman, with participants benefiting greatly from the training sessions.
Special Seminar on Combating Drug Abuse Held at Khazer Camp
As part of the National Campaign to Combat Drug Abuse, the Barzani Charity Foundation organized a special seminar on April 23, 2026, at Khazer Camp (M1) in Erbil.
The seminar was attended by 30 camp residents and provided detailed scientific information about narcotic substances, their various types, and their dangerous and potentially fatal effects.
First Aid Training Conducted in Halabja
The Barzani Charity Foundation also held a first aid training course for its staff in Halabja. The three-day course took place on April 21, 22, and 23, 2026.
Drug Awareness Seminar for Teachers in Amedi
On April 27, 2026, a seminar was presented in Amedi for 25 middle and high school teachers from Amedi and surrounding villages.
The seminar was delivered by Payman Hussein, a trainer in the drug awareness campaign. He shared comprehensive scientific information about narcotic substances, their classifications, and their harmful and life-threatening consequences.
The National Campaign to Combat Drug Abuse is one of the most important initiatives of the Barzani Charity Foundation, which operates across six different sectors.
Barzani Charity Foundation and Vision Foundation Discuss Expanding Cooperation
On April 27, 2026, Srwa Salih, Director of the Foundation’s Sulaymaniyah Office, accompanied by a delegation, visited Vision Foundation, where they were warmly received by Adnan Osman, President of the organization.
The meeting focused on enhancing coordination and expanding cooperation between the two organizations. Both sides highly valued each other’s work and emphasized the importance of joint efforts in various areas of civil society and humanitarian assistance.
Continued Support for Persons with Disabilities
As part of its ongoing project to support persons with disabilities, the Barzani Charity Foundation distributed wheelchairs and other essential supplies to individuals with special needs at its Erbil office on April 28, 2026.
In cooperation with the American organization LDS Charities, the Foundation’s representative office in Zakho provided additional wheelchairs to persons with disabilities on April 29, 2026.
Since its establishment, the Foundation, with the support of donors and partners, has provided significant assistance to persons with disabilities both within and outside the Kurdistan Region.
In 2025 alone, the Foundation distributed more than 482 wheelchairs and provided food and non-food assistance to hundreds of individuals with disabilities across the region and beyond.
Food Assistance Distributed to Vulnerable Families in Zakho
On April 29, 2026, the Foundation’s office in Zakho, with the support of a charitable donor, distributed food assistance to 20 low-income and vulnerable families. Each family received two kilograms of meat and 15 kilograms of assorted food items.
Barzani Charity Foundation Participates in Raperin Opportunities Forum
On April 29, 2026, Srwa Salih, Director of the Foundation’s Sulaymaniyah Office, and her accompanying delegation participated in the “Raperin Opportunities Forum” at University of Raparin.
The event, organized by the Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies in cooperation with the university, highlighted investment opportunities in the Raperin area. Its main objective was to promote new projects and create employment opportunities for young people in the region.
The forum served as a platform to help local communities and investors identify viable and successful projects in the area, while also contributing to economic infrastructure development and raising awareness about the region’s potential.
President of Barzani Charity Foundation Receives Ministry of Interior Delegation
On April 30, 2026, Musa Ahmed, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, welcomed Dr. Hemn Mirani, Director General of the Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and Sداrwa Rasoul, Director General of the Joint Crisis Coordination Center, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Erbil.
The Ministry delegation praised the Foundation’s humanitarian work over the past two decades and expressed their readiness to facilitate and support its activities. They also reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination, cooperation, and joint efforts.
For his part, Musa Ahmed thanked the delegation for their visit, wished them continued success, and expressed hope that both sides would work together to deliver even greater services and humanitarian assistance.
Assistance Provided to Flood-Affected Families in Kirkuk
The Barzani Charity Foundation office in Kirkuk provided various forms of assistance to four families in the Shoraw neighborhood on April 30, 2026, after their homes and belongings were damaged by flooding.
This support was delivered in coordination with the Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC) to help families affected by the rising water levels.
Each family received:
Three mattresses
Five blankets
Two food baskets
One kerosene heater
The Barzani Charity Foundation has consistently played a leading role in supporting affected families and reducing the impact of natural and man-made disasters, both within and outside the Kurdistan Region.
Food Assistance Distributed in the Mergasor Area
The Foundation’s representative office in Bile, in cooperation with Haji Yahya Organization, distributed 450 food baskets to low-income and vulnerable families across five sub-districts within the Mergasor district.
In addition, the office provided a variety of relief items to 30 families in need in the same area. The assistance included blankets, mattresses, pillows, heaters, cooking stoves, food baskets, and hygiene kits.
Barzani Charity Foundation Continues Educational and Vocational Training Programs
Despite the reduction in support from international organizations, the Barzani Charity Foundation remains committed to offering educational, vocational, artistic, and literacy courses in camps for internally displaced persons and refugees, as well as in surrounding communities.
These programs have had a significant positive impact on the lives of participants.
In April 2026 alone, in addition to conducting first aid and rapid response training for staff across all Foundation offices and delivering drug awareness seminars that benefited hundreds of people, the Foundation organized 49 vocational, educational, artistic, and literacy courses in and outside displacement and refugee camps.
A total of 352 individuals benefited from these courses.
