UN, Italy sign agreement on returnees from Al-Hol camp

Baghdad - INA

The United Nations Development Program and Italy signed an agreement today, Friday, for the sustainable reintegration of returnees from Al-Hol camp.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "UNDP and Italy announced the signing of a 3 million euro agreement aimed at supporting the sustainable reintegration of Iraqi citizens returning from Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, especially women and children who fled the conflict since 2013.".

He added, "These returnees, many of whom lived in closed camps and detention centers, face many urgent humanitarian and security challenges, including the inability to access basic services such as health care and education, and exposure to trauma and violence.".

The statement continued, "This project will work to meet the immediate and long-term needs of these vulnerable returnees by focusing on their reintegration, key areas of support include their economic empowerment and provision of livelihood opportunities, mental health recovery, and creating a supportive environment that facilitates their acceptance by local communities.".

He pointed out that "one of the essential elements of the project is to focus on engaging local community leaders to enhance community cohesion, build trust, and reconciliation, ensuring that the reintegration process is comprehensive and sustainable.".

“The signing ceremony, attended by the Minister of Migration and Displacement, Evan Fayek Jabro, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Italian Embassy, ​​Chiara Franchini, with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sasha Grauman, highlighted the shared commitment to a comprehensive reintegration strategy that combines social, psychological, economic and material services that are essential for the successful reintegration of returnees,” he
explained. “The Government of Iraq has already begun the process of returning Iraqi nationals from Al-Hol camp through an intensive screening and risk assessment process aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both returnees and the communities they join. While many have successfully reintegrated, others are still waiting for assistance, making this new agreement a timely intervention,” he added.

“The partnership aims to implement a multi-sectoral community-based reintegration approach. By working closely with local peace committees, civil society organizations and community components, the project will foster a sense of belonging among returnees while promoting peace, stability and community cohesion,” he added.

“This partnership represents an important step forward in addressing the complex challenges faced by returnees and their communities. By working together, we can ensure that reintegration is successful and sustainable, allowing returnees and host communities to rebuild their lives,” said Sasha Graumann, Deputy Resident Representative
of UNDP. “This project aims to rebuild trust and community cohesion in Iraq. It is also a new opportunity to continue cooperation between Italy and Iraq based on shared values ​​of respect for human dignity, freedom of choice and the right to safe and peaceful return,” explained Chiara Franchini, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Italian Embassy.

He pointed out that "the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Italy are committed to strengthening cooperation with the Government of Iraq to ensure the successful implementation of this important project, paving the way for a better future for returnees from Al-Hol camp."