Baghdad: Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Al Araji called Thursday for the necessity for world’s countries to transfer their citizens from Al Hawl camp located on the Iraqi-Syrian border in preparation for its closure. This call was made during a meeting at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Iraq, attended by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and ambassadors from the European Union (EU) countries, Arab nations, and international organizations operating in Iraq.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Araji highlighted the challenges facing the UN mission in Iraq following the decision to suspend US support for humanitarian organizations. This suspension impacts the work of organizations at the Al Amal Center for Psychological and Community Rehabilitation. During the meeting, discussions also covered the Iraqi government’s decision to rehabilitate the Al Jadaa Center for Iraqi families returning from Al Hawl camp and the plans to compensate for the lack of support for humanitarian efforts.
Al Araji emphasized that the Iraqi government made a strategic decision in 2021, after concluding the mission against ISIS, to repatriate Iraqi nationals from Al Hawl camp in northeastern Syria. Despite facing difficulties, Iraq remained committed to this goal, acknowledging the cooperation and role of the international coalition with Iraq in this endeavor.
Al Araji noted that Iraq has been actively transferring families since 2021 and that several countries have already withdrawn their nationals from Al Hawl camp. He urged other countries to follow suit and evacuate their citizens in preparation for the camp’s closure.
It is noteworthy that Al Hawl camp currently houses about 29,000 Iraqis among its approximately 70,000 residents. The United Nations (UN) has previously urged all governments to repatriate their citizens or residents from the camp. This initiative should include appropriate measures for justice and accountability in line with international law, alongside community reintegration programs for those proven innocent of any crime.