Remarks by SRSG Al Hassan - High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol, Surrounding Camps and Places of Detention

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

I welcome all, and commend our Iraqi partners for their efforts in organizing this conference in cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. I also thank His Excellency President Abdul Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, for his kind sponsorship to this conference. I am pleased to see you, dear brother Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, presiding over this conference alongside the Acting Head of the Office of Counter-Terrorism. There is a saying: “The best speech is that which is concise yet meaningful.” What must be said on such an occasion is the following:

First: Terrorism is a plague and a global threat to the international community. Some call it “terrorism,” while others unfortunately refer to it as an “extreme form of violence.” Call it what you wish, but in the end it is nothing other than terrorism, and its perpetrators are terrorists, regardless of their religious, ethnic affiliations or their nationalities.

Second: Al-Hol camp and other similar camps should not exist at all - not in Syria nor in any other country. Their prolonged presence without resolution is unacceptable. These camps should have been dismantled years ago. Syria is not a shelter for terrorists and their families from all over the world, and the continued existence of such camps on Syrian soil without arrangements with the Syrian Government constitutes a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Third: I extend my appreciation to all the countries that have repatriated their nationals from Al-Hol and other camps in Syria. The best service the international community can offer Syria and the Syrian people at this particular stage is for every State to repatriate its citizens and nationals from Syria. Syria has borne more than enough.

Fourth: Supporting the Syrian Government in extending its authority and control over all of its national territory is both a duty and a commitment, and it contributes directly to international peace and security. I call on the international community - as Iraq has done - to provide genuine support toward this goal.

Fifth: Iraq’s record in repatriating its citizens is exemplary and commendable. I wholeheartedly praise the efforts made by the Iraqi Government, and I acknowledge its commitment and determination to bring back the majority of its nationals from Al-Hol and other camps. At the United Nations, and within the UNAMI mission, we work side by side with both the Iraqi and Syrian Governments to achieve this objective - and, God willing, it will be achieved.

In conclusion, today, we must move together with firm steps to eradicate terrorism, in line with international principles. I renew my gratitude to the Government of Iraq and to all those who contributed to organizing this conference. I wish everyone success, and I look forward to the day we meet again, soon, in a world where such camps and prisons no longer exist - neither in Syria nor elsewhere.

Thank you.