MMD: A need to respect the rights of Iraqi asylum seekers

INA - BAGHDAD 

The Ministry of Migration and Displacement - MMD renewed its rejection of procedures for the forced return of Iraqi families without providing programs and plans.

"While we have been continuing our relentless efforts for years to find solutions to the problems of our Iraqi people who are in the countries, we are surprised that there are attempts to take unfair measures against the Iraqis whose asylum requests are rejected and including forced return," said the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, Karim Al-Nouri, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He added, "We have previously emphasized during more than one occasion that everyone should respect the rights of Iraqis registered as asylum seekers and deal with them with humanity. For us, these are Iraqi citizens, and we refuse to prejudice their rights while they are anywhere in the world."

Al-Nouri highlighted, "As we renew our categorical rejection of any measures that force the families who have endured many hardships and the risks of travel to return forcibly without providing programs and plans that help provide the appropriate environment for their return, we call for not taking such steps that are inconsistent with international norms and covenants and principles of human rights. We call on international organizations and relevant authorities to cooperate with us to provide a decent life for these families, provide them with assistance, and facilitate procedures related to their asylum requests and resettlement.”