Politics

Iraq's migration committee requests extension for refugee return deadline

This request comes in the wake of a recent announcement by the Ministry of Migration and Displaced on June 24, 2024, regarding the return of 397 refugees from outside the camps in Duhok to their areas in Sinjar.

Kamaran Aziz 2024/06/29 15:19

Many of the roads and buildings are in the state of ruin in Sinjar. (Photo: AFP)

Kurdistan Sinjar IDPs and refugees in Kurdistan Region IDPs Return Sharif Sulaiman

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Iraqi Ministry of Interior's Bureau of Migration and Displacement has called for an extension of the decision to return all refugees to their areas, which is scheduled to be implemented by the end of July.

Sharif Suleiman, a member of the Iraqi Parliamentary Committee of Migration and Community Reconciliation, expressed concerns over the feasibility of the current deadline in a statement to local media.

"The government has set July 31, 2024, for the return of all refugees to their areas, which is difficult to happen," Suleiman said, specifically highlighting the situation in the Sinjar refugee camps in Duhok province.

Suleiman outlined several critical issues that need to be addressed before refugees can return safely and sustainably. These include:

Compensation: The need for proper compensation for the displaced.
Security: The unstable security situation in Sinjar.
Services and Jobs: The lack of essential services and job opportunities in the return areas.

"The deadline for the return of the refugees is not enough. It needs to be extended to meet all these requirements and implement an intensive and practical program," Suleiman emphasized.

The situation underscores the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring a safe and organized return for refugees, necessitating further governmental efforts and resources to address these pressing issues.