Governor of Erbil Receives UNHCR Representative in Iraq

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, received Toby Harward, the Representative and Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iraq, at the governorate headquarters.
 

The meeting, held to enhance bilateral coordination, covered several key issues, including improving the conditions of refugees and exploring ways to raise living standards and provide essential needs for both Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.

Both sides emphasized continued cooperation regarding humanitarian and public services for camps within the borders of Erbil Governorate, as well as strengthening the partnership between the Erbil Governorate and UN agencies.

Furthermore, the humanitarian and field-based role of the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) was highly commended as a primary partner and collaborator of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Through its continuous coordination with relevant authorities, the BCF has played a leading role not only in the successful management of camps but also in providing basic necessities, emergency relief, and humanitarian services to IDPs and refugees.
 

In another part of the meeting, the Governor of Erbil reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s steadfast position, stating: "As the KRG, and in accordance with the ongoing directives of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, we are entirely opposed to any form of forced return of IDPs and refugees to their areas of origin."

He noted that the Kurdistan Region has always kept its doors open for the displaced and supports the process of voluntary return, ensuring that the dignity and security of refugees are fully protected.
In response, the UNHCR Representative praised the humanitarian role of Erbil and the KRG in sheltering and protecting refugees over the past years.