Iraqi Official Calls Al-Hol Camp a Time Bomb

iraq’s Deputy Minister of Migration, Karim⁢ Al-Nouri, likened the continued existence of Al-Hol camp to ⁣a ticking time bomb. Speaking on the ‍29th phase of returns, he⁢ confirmed that his ministry repatriated 230 families ⁤from Al-Hol in ⁣northeastern‌ Syria as part of a plan to ‍dismantle this camp, which poses​ a threat to Iraq‍ and the world.

Al-Nouri added‌ that social rehabilitation programs ​have facilitated reintegration ‌for​ returnees and ensured their safe⁣ settlement in their original regions. So far, no security incidents⁣ have been reported among those who have returned.

The deputy ‍minister also provided overall figures on returns: to date, 16,000 people have come ‍back‌ from Al-Hol; 10,000 have returned to their hometowns⁢ while around‌ 6,000 remain ⁣at the psychological rehabilitation center in Al-jad’ah.

He further noted that​ Iraq ​still hosts 21 camps within its borders-15 in ⁤Dohuk and‍ six in Erbil-where about 20,000 families mostly originating from Sinjar continue​ to ⁢reside.

Al-Nouri emphasized ⁢that the Ministry of Migration will ‍persist ‍with government efforts to close ‌these camps through voluntary repatriation programs aimed at returning displaced persons safely to their home areas.