Last IDP convoy forced out of Ashti camp amid concerns over insufficient government support

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced has forcibly returned the final convoy of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Ashti camp in Sulaimani province.

IDPs expressed deep concerns about returning to their areas, highlighting that while ISIS destroyed their homes, the financial aid from the Iraqi government was insufficient, barely covering the cost of materials for a single room’s wall.

The closure of Ashti camp has alarmed UNHCR and human rights organizations, who are troubled by the Iraqi government's actions.

The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced has decisively closed Ashti camp, sending the last convoy of IDPs back to their original areas.

Despite the government's grant of 4 million dinars to each family, the instability and safety concerns in their hometowns, compared to the security in the Kurdistan Region, have raised significant apprehensions.

Many IDPs believe the government’s financial support is inadequate. "The money is a trick," said one IDP.

"It’s not enough to buy materials for a single wall, let alone start a new life." Another IDP added, "We’ve lived under tents and nylon for 10 years. If we could afford more, we wouldn't have stayed here. This is not our area; we need more substantial help."

The Director of the IDP Affairs Office at the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced in the Kurdistan Region confirmed that the Ministry played a major role in closing the camps in Sulaimani but did not provide assurances of peace in the IDPs’ original areas.

The United Nations High Commissioner for IDPs and various human rights organizations have voiced concerns over the camp closures and the forced returns, emphasizing the lack of guarantees for the IDPs' safety and stability in their home regions.