Bodies of 13 migrants to be returned to Erbil after tragic drowning off Italian coast

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The bodies of 13 Kurdish migrants who tragically drowned off the coast of Italy on June 17 will be returned to Erbil on Friday afternoon.

Saleem Pasha, the head of immigrant's affairs at the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, informed Kurdistan24 that this process was initiated based on the recommendation of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

A special committee was formed comprising members from the Interior Ministry and the Foreign Relations Office to manage the repatriation.

"The committee took DNA samples and brought them to Italy. Subsequently, the Italian government was able to identify the 13 bodies that belong to us," Pasha explained.

Regarding the notification of the victims' families, Pasha confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has made all necessary arrangements. "At 3:00 PM Italy time, which is 4:00 PM Kurdistan time, the bodies will be sent to Erbil," he said.

Following the boat capsizing in Italian waters on June 17, 2024, which led to numerous fatalities and missing persons, the KRG has been in constant contact with relevant parties to address the situation.

Read More: Italian coast guards recover nine more bodies

The KRG Foreign Relations Office confirmed that a dedicated team has been dispatched to Italy to manage the return process.

Read More: KRG delegation meets Italian Judicial Committee to investigate sunken boat incident

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani emphasized the legal and logistical efforts undertaken to resolve the situation, stating that the KRG is committed to ensuring the victims are brought back to their homeland with dignity.

Additional reporting done by Kurdistan24's correspondent in Italy Awara Hawrami