KRG reaffirms commitment to IDPs, refugees well-being, stressing voluntary return
He stressed the importance of approaching the closure of refugee camps in the Kurdistan Region with caution and sensitivity. "It is crucial that the return of refugees is voluntary, free from coercion, and occurs under supported and prepared conditions," Zebari stated.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Dindar Zebari, Kurdistan Region's Coordinator of International Advocacy, underscored the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) unwavering dedication to assisting and providing stability for all refugees.
He made these remarks at the conference aimed at advancing refugee and IDP rights, organized in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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Zebari expressed pride in the Kurdistan Region's historical role as a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants, emphasizing the continued commitment to their safety through comprehensive efforts and coordination.
He stressed the importance of approaching the closure of refugee camps in the Kurdistan Region with caution and sensitivity. "It is crucial that the return of refugees is voluntary, free from coercion, and occurs under supported and prepared conditions," Zebari stated.
A significant obstacle faced by the KRG, according to Zebari, is the absence of a special law at both regional and federal levels to directly address refugee rights and protection.
To organize refugee and IDP affairs, the Ministry of Interior is collaborating with the UNHCR to draft administrative guidelines on the refugee process in the Kurdistan Region. These guidelines aim to regulate the arrival and reception of asylum seekers while establishing their rights and obligations.
Zebari highlighted the KRG's focus on supporting women and girls in refugee camps, with around 15,000 women benefiting from various services and training programs. However, the suspension of international aid to these camps poses challenges, leading to a reduction in services.
Despite these difficulties, the KRG remains steadfast in its commitment to serving all refugees, particularly those within the Kurdistan Region. Currently, the region hosts 1,022,000 refugees across 22 camps in Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani.Currently, the Kurdistan Region hosts 1,022,000 displaced individuals, including 723,114 IDPs and over 279,000 refugees from other countries, comprising a total of 211,984 families. This diverse population includes refugees from Syria, Turkey, Iran, Palestine, and other nations.
While 30 percent of these refugees reside within 33 designated camps, the majority (70 percent) live outside of camps. Erbil accommodates the largest share of refugees (41 percent), followed by Duhok (40 percent) and Sulaimani (19 percent).
The KRG bears a significant financial burden in providing services to these vulnerable populations, covering approximately 80 percent of the costs.
Civil society organizations have seen a reduction in their aid contributions, leading to an estimated annual budget requirement of $938 million for basic services.