The Iraqi Minister of Migration and Displaced, Evan Faeq Jabro, confirmed on Monday that the displacement file would be completely closed by July 30, indicating that the coming days would witness the return of the last batch of displaced people from Sulaymaniyah and the declaration of the province as free from displacement camps.
The Ministry of Migration stated in a press release reported by the Iraqi News Agency that this was discussed during a meeting between Minister Evan Jabro and the Governor of Salahuddin, Badr Al-Fahl, on Monday. The meeting addressed the conditions of families in return areas within the province and ways to support them and provide all the requirements for a decent living.
The meeting also reviewed the plan for closing displacement camps and implementing the recommendations approved by the Council of Ministers to support stability in return areas and prepare the suitable ground for their return, especially regarding the decision to allocate 2% of education contract appointments in the province.”
As of late 2021, over 6 million Iraqis had been displaced from their homes due to the conflict with ISIS, with around 1.2 million people remaining displaced. A significant number of IDPs reside in informal sites outside of formal camps, facing substantial barriers to resolving their displacement and accessing basic services. The situation in Iraq concerning displacement and the efforts to address it are multifaceted, involving security improvements, provision of essential services, and support for economic reforms. The process of returning from abroad, especially from camps like al-Hol in Syria, has restarted after being interrupted by COVID-19, with security agencies vetting returning families for voluntary association with ISIS.
The United Nations and other international organizations have been providing targeted support to displaced persons in informal sites across Iraq, addressing the significant needs that remain. These interventions aim to improve living conditions and resolve factors contributing to protracted displacement, emphasizing the importance of strategic support from humanitarian agencies and donors.
