Danielle Mitterrand: A centenary honoured between Erbil and Paris

To celebrate the centenary of the birth of Danielle Mitterrand, an emblematic figure for human rights and a fervent defender of the Kurdish cause, several commemorations were organised in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and in Paris. These events brought together committed personalities, officials and citizens, all of whom came to honour her legacy.

An outstanding tribute to Iraqi Kurdistan

From 11 to 13 November 2024, a series of commemorations took place in Erbil. The flagship event was held on 12 November at the Saad Abdullah Hall in the presence of numerous political figures, including President Massoud Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Minister Qubad Talabani and ministers and representatives of the autonomous region. France’s ambassador in Baghdad, Patrick Durel, paid tribute to the woman who was nicknamed ‘Mother of the Kurds’, recalling her essential role in strengthening ties between France and Iraqi Kurdistan.

Emmanuel Poilane spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the Danielle Mitterrand Foundation. He emphasised that “Danielle Mitterrand firmly believed in the ability of each individual to change the world and of each people to show the way by their example. The example set by the Kurdish people illuminated her battles. She taught us that indifference, submission and fatality are not options, and that each of us has the power to make a difference by sharing a common destiny. His commitment reminds us that it is possible to work towards a world that is more respectful of the environment, more just and equitable, where the rights of every human being are respected. By following her example, we can continue to fight against injustice and oppression, and work to build bridges between communities and cultures. His legacy inspires us to persevere in our efforts!”

Emmanuel Poilane, General Secretary of the Foundation

A French delegation was present, including Achille du Genestoux from the Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, and Frédéric Tissot, former Consul General of France in Erbil. The Kurdish Institute of Paris was represented by Nazand Begikhani. During the ceremony, the documentary Danielle Mitterrand, une certaine idée de la France, directed by Laurence Thiriat, was screened, before musician Şivan Perwer closed the event with a song composed in tribute to Danielle Mitterrand.

The Danielle Mitterrand school: a symbol of its commitment

The French delegation also visited the Danielle Mitterrand school in Erbil. Meetings with pupils, teachers and the Minister of Education of the autonomous region were organised to highlight the importance of access to education in the development of Kurdistan. A similar visit took place at the Danielle Mitterrand school in Soulaymanieh.

Tribute in Paris: French recognition

On 18 December 2024, the Town Hall in the 20th arrondissement of Paris hosted a ceremony organised by the Kurdish Institute of Paris, the Danielle Mitterrand Foundation and the French Institute in Erbil. The tribute brought together personalities such as Yann Braem, Consul General of France in Iraqi Kurdistan, Rémi Féraud, Senator of Paris, Jean Glavany, President of the Institut François Mitterrand, and Gilbert Mitterrand, President of the Foundation.

Speeches by Kendal Nezan, President of the Kurdish Institute of Paris, and Frédéric Tissot highlighted Danielle Mitterrand’s impact on the Kurdish cause. An exhibition and a documentary prepared by the French Institute in Erbil enhanced the event, which highlighted the central role she played in the recognition of the rights of the Kurdish people.

A comic strip to preserve her memory

The tribute to Danielle Mitterrand was also expressed through art. At the ceremony in Erbil, an exhibition featured the drawings of artist Soma Twana Marjan, who has produced a comic strip recounting Danielle Mitterrand’s commitment to the Kurdish cause. The aim of this artistic project is to pass on her legacy to new generations and to remind them of the essential role she played in defending the oppressed.

A commitment that still resonates

Through these various tributes, both in Kurdistan and in France, Danielle Mitterrand’s centenary was an opportunity to highlight her fundamental role in the recognition of the rights of the Kurds and the peoples fighting for their freedom. Her commitment remains a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of international solidarity in the defence of human rights.

Song ‘Danielle Mitterrand’ by Şivan Perwer