In Erbil... Conference on Advancing the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Held
Today, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the "Conference on Advancing the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons According to International Standards" took place in the capital, Erbil. The event was organized by the Office of International Recommendations in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The conference was attended by Farsat Ahmed, Minister of Justice of the Regional Government; Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil; Dr. Dindar Zebari, Coordinator of International Recommendations; Aydin Maruf, Minister of the Region for Component Affairs; Dr. Haval Abubakir, Governor of Sulaymaniyah; the head of the IOM office; the Director of Crisis response and coordination for Erbil Governorate; and representatives from international organizations, agencies, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations in the Kurdistan Region.
During the conference, the Governor of Erbil delivered a welcoming speech to the guests and attendees, expressing gratitude to the supervisors and organizers of the event. He expressed hope that the recommendations and suggestions would fulfill their intended goals. The Governor also addressed the situation of displaced persons and refugees in the camps within the borders of Erbil Governorate and acknowledged the humanitarian assistance provided by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
He stated, "At present, there are approximately 340,000 to 350,000 displaced persons and refugees in the camps within Erbil Governorate's borders. We are grateful for the coordination efforts of the Ministry of Interior's Crisis Coordination and the Barzani Charity Foundation, who continuously provide support and assistance to these dear people. We also extend our thanks to the IOM and international agencies that have been supporting the Kurdistan Regional Government. However, with the reduction of aid by the Iraqi government, the displaced persons and refugees in the camps require greater attention and support."
He also reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region has always welcomed displaced persons and refugees with open arms, with Erbil, the capital, becoming a sanctuary for them. He stated, "Under the directive of the respected Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, we are strongly opposed to the forced return of displaced persons and refugees. We will continue to host them until they can voluntarily and proudly return to their places of origin.”
Afterward, experts, legal professionals, and human rights advocates emphasized the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to the rights of internally displaced persons. They discussed the situation and living conditions of IDPs and outlined the Kurdistan Region's plan for protecting human rights.
The conference aims to raise awareness about the rights of refugees and displaced persons within the legal framework of the Kurdistan Region. It seeks to create more opportunities for collaboration and support among the government, civil society, and international organizations, with a focus on improving, strengthening, and unifying the protection of displaced individuals.
