Victims of Halabja Chemical Attacks and the Role of Iranian and International Medical Centers in Their Treatment (1988–1992)

Abstract

 The chemical bombardment of Halabja on March 16, 1988, was not merely a fleeting catastrophic event; rather, it marked the beginning of a prolonged era of suffering for the survivors who were exposed to toxic gases. Focusing on the condition of the victims, this study analyzes the types of toxic agents deployed by the Iraqi regime during the attack on Halabja, specifically nerve agents and mustard gas. In addition to detailing the long-term consequences and impacts of chemical weapons, the research highlights the medical treatment provided to the wounded in hospitals across Kermanshah and Tehran, as well as the protocols used for victim classification in health centers. A significant aspect of this research evaluates the international dimension of the Halabja chemical massacre, examining the transfer of victims to European countries and Japan for treatment, and the visits of international delegations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the United Nations (UN) to the victims in Iranian hospitals, which played a crucial role in bringing global awareness to the crime. The study demonstrates that the chemical attack on Halabja was not just a temporary disaster, but resulted in a devastating long-term legacy of health complications, including cancer, infertility, and congenital disabilities, which remain an open wound in the lives of the survivors to this day.