Erbil Governor calls for international aid to support IDPS, refugees
The governor called on the United Nations and international organizations to assist the KRG in serving the refugees residing in camps, as many organizations have significantly reduced their aid.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, speaking at the Conference on Promoting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), emphasized the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) support for the dignified return of refugees and highlighted the need for international assistance.
The two-day Conference of Promoting Rights of Internally Displaced Persons According to International Standards has been organized jointly by the Office of Kurdistan Region’s Office of International Advocacy and International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Khoshnaw recalled the challenges faced in 2014 when over a million refugees sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region.
Despite the Iraqi government cutting its budget instead of providing support, the people and the KRG ensured the best possible services for the refugees.
The governor called on the United Nations and international organizations to assist the KRG in serving the refugees residing in camps, as many organizations have significantly reduced their aid.
Currently, Erbil province hosts around 350,000 refugees in six camps.
Khoshnaw stressed the importance of creating suitable conditions for the voluntary return of refugees before any decision to close camps is made by the Iraqi government.
He reiterated that the KRG supports the dignified and voluntary return of refugees without any pressure to stay or leave.
Despite instability in the Middle East, the Kurdistan Region has become a safe haven for over a million refugees, complying with international standards and bearing 80% of the service costs.
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.
This conference serves as a critical platform to address the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees and IDPs in the Kurdistan Region, promoting collaboration and support to ensure their rights and well-being.