UN Iraq SRSG visits rehabilitation centre, underscores importance of repatriation and reintegration

At the Centre, the SRSG met with the Minister of Migration and Displaced, Mrs. Evan Faeq Jabro. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination and cooperation on the repatriation and reintegration file.

The SRSG toured the facility, currently home to an estimated 2,000 returnees from the Al-Hol camp in Syria, most of them women and children. He was briefed on the work of UN agencies and their partners, which support the Government in service delivery and coordination inside the Centre. He also met with a number of residents in the interest of hearing first-hand their comments, concerns, and hopes, in order to address any concerns they might have.

The rehabilitation Centre, under the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, has become the transit facility for a new life for over 10,000 individuals since May 2021. Rehabilitation and reintegration support for the returnees, which includes legal assistance to access civil documentation, mental health and psychosocial support, education, health, economic empowerment and livelihoods programs to strengthen life skills, and efforts to reconnect returnees with their families and communities, are some of the services the Centre offers. 

Commending the Iraqi Government’s efforts to repatriate its citizens, SRSG Al Hassan highlighted the significant progress already made, noting the substantial number of individuals already repatriated and reintegrated into communities despite complex security, legal, and humanitarian challenges. Dr. Al Hassan called for the swift and safe return of all Iraqis from Al-Hol camp.

“Iraq’s proactive approach is a positive example for other countries to follow. Iraq of today, and Iraq of the future, is demonstrating that responsible repatriations are possible, by finding dignified solutions anchored in the principles of accountability, reintegration, respect for human rights, and dignity.” He called on other nations to follow suit and take similar actions for their citizens in Al-Hol.

Half the residents of Al-Hol camp are Iraqis. Their situation is both a humanitarian and security crisis. Prolonged confinement in such restricted and dire conditions poses greater protection and security risks than returning them in a controlled and managed way, safely and properly reintegrating them back into their communities.

Given the large number of Iraqis awaiting return, continued international support on this file is essential to ensure repatriation and reintegration in a safe and sustainable manner that safeguards their dignity.

For his part, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, said: “The need to accelerate the return of citizens from Al-Hol is urgent, despite the significant challenges Iraq faces, including regional instability and significant shifts in international funding. This urgency is especially critical for vulnerable groups like unaccompanied children, women survivors of violence, and victims of trafficking.”