Baghdad, Iraq – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and are pleased to announce the signing of a €3 million agreement aimed at supporting the sustainable reintegration of Iraqi nationals returning from the Al-Hol Camp in Northeast Syria, primarily women and children who fled the conflict since 2013. These returnees, many of whom have lived in closed camps and detention facilities, face a multitude of urgent humanitarian and security challenges, including lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education, and exposure to trauma and violence.

This project will address the immediate and long-term needs of these vulnerable returnees by focusing on their reintegration. Key areas of support include economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities, mental health and trauma recovery, and the creation of a supportive environment that facilitates their acceptance within local communities. A critical component of the project is its emphasis on engaging community leaders to foster social cohesion, trust-building, and reconciliation efforts, ensuring the reintegration process is inclusive and sustainable.

The signing ceremony, attended by H.E. the Minister of Migration and Displaced Ms. Ivan Faiq Jabro, the Chargée d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Italy, Ms. Chiara Franchini, with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Sascha Graumann, highlighted the joint commitment to a comprehensive reintegration strategy. This strategy combines social, psychological, economic, and physical services essential to the success of the returnees' reintegration.

The Government of Iraq has already initiated the repatriation process from Al-Hol Camp for Iraqi nationals 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, numerous others continue to await assistance, making this new agreement a timely intervention.

The partnership’s objective is to implement a multi-sectoral, community-based reintegration approach. By working closely with local peace committees, civil society organizations, and community groups, the project will foster a sense of belonging among returnees, while promoting peace, stability, and social cohesion.

“This partnership represents an important step forward in addressing the complex challenges faced by returnees and their communities,” said Mr. Sascha Graumann, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative. “By working together, we can ensure that reintegration is both successful and sustainable, enabling returnees and host communities to rebuild their lives.”

Ms. Chiara Franchini, Chargée d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Italy, remarked that “this project’s goal is to rebuild trust and social cohesion in Iraq. It is also a new opportunity to continue the cooperation between Italy and Iraq based on the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom of choice and the right to a safe and peaceful return.”

UNDP and the Government of Italy are committed to foster their collaboration with the Government of Iraq to ensure the successful implementation of this significant project, paving the way for a brighter future for the returnees from Al-Hol Camp.

For more information:

Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee, Communications Specialist, UNDP Iraq

mohammed.al-bahabhanee@undp.org