Kurdistan Region approves emergency fund for influx of Syrian refugees

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) cabinet on Wednesday approved the establishment of a permanent humanitarian emergency response fund to deal with thousands of refugees crossing into the Kurdistan Region after being displaced by Turkey's military incursion into northern Syria.  

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired the session with his deputy, Qubad Talabani, in which Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed presented a proposal containing a plan to receive, house, and provide for the needs of those arriving.

The Council of Ministers approved Ahmed’s proposal to establish the fund for “basic and essential services to the new wave of refugees fleeing to the Kurdistan Region,” a KRG statement read.

Heavy attacks on Wednesday by Turkish-backed groups in northern Syria displaced thousands of additional civilians despite the Russian-Turkish ceasefire agreed to last week, which could lead to even more refugees seeking shelter over Syria's eastern border.

Read More: Thousands of civilians flee Turkish attacks despite ceasefire deal

“Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has already made a huge sacrifice in continuing to host 1.1 million displaced people. He called on the federal government of Iraq, the international community, and local and foreign organizations to contribute to the humanitarian emergency response fund.”  

In the meeting, he affirmed his support to recent governmental reforms enacted by Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, stating that the KRG stands with legitimate demands of the protesters and against the use of violence, “no matter which side it comes from.”   

“Prime Minister Barzani called for restraint from all sides, reiterating his hope that a peaceful resolution can be found that preserves the progress made since the country overcame war,” the KRG website reported. The Kurdish leader denounced, however, “efforts to push forward unconstitutional changes to the federal system of Iraq,” in reference to protesters' demands for a complete overhaul of the government.

Barzani concluded the meeting by reminding his cabinet “of their commitment to build a strong, secure and prosperous Kurdistan and informed them that key reforms must soon be presented to Parliament for approval.” 

Editing by John J. Catherine