Baghdad , Iraq – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reiterated the critical importance of repatriating displaced Iraqis from the al-Hol camp, emphasizing that all nations should collaborate to bring their citizens back home. He also highlighted that Iraq is nearing the completion of the closure of displacement camps, signaling significant progress in resolving the country’s displacement crisis.
In a meeting with Christine Burgener, the Swiss candidate for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, al-Sudani expressed his full support for her candidacy and wished her success in her mission. He also praised the strengthening of Iraqi-Swiss relations, underscoring the recent establishment of the Swiss embassy in Baghdad as a key milestone in bilateral ties.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office, al-Sudani emphasized the need for continued collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to address issues related to the social reintegration of displaced individuals. He highlighted the need for infrastructure support in areas of return and stressed the importance of providing material, psychological, and social support for the displaced populations.
Al-Sudani also underscored the significance of the repatriation of displaced Iraqis from the al-Hol camp, located in Syria, and urged all countries to take responsibility for their nationals currently residing there. This issue has been a source of concern for Iraq, and the Prime Minister reiterated that repatriation efforts are key to reducing the impact of displacement on both Iraq and the wider region.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Iraq’s role in hosting thousands of refugees from neighboring countries, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing displacement and asylum issues. Al-Sudani emphasized the need to work closely with the UNHCR to create a pioneering model for managing displacement and asylum that can be implemented across the region.
Christine Burgener thanked the Prime Minister for his support of the Swiss mission in Iraq and commended the country’s approach to addressing displacement and asylum. She described Iraq’s measures as a model for other nations in the region and globally, particularly its efforts in managing displacement camps and providing relief. Burgener also highlighted Iraq’s expertise in combating drugs and treating addiction, areas where the country’s experience could benefit others facing similar challenges.
In conclusion, both leaders agreed on the necessity of continued cooperation to tackle displacement challenges in the region and to ensure that the displaced populations receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
