Baghdad: The head of the Reconstruction Coalition, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, met with UNHCR representative Toby Harward to discuss assistance with the voluntary refugee law.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the coalition’s media office reported that Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, along with Bahaa al-Araji, head of the Reconstruction Bloc in Parliament, engaged in discussions with Toby Harward, who has been pivotal in addressing the refugee situation in Iraq. The dialogue centered on the government’s efforts to introduce a special law for refugees and coordinate with international entities.

The meeting reviewed the process of submitting the draft law to the relevant authorities. Al-Sudani emphasized that the enactment of this law could help regulate refugee conditions and support their return to their home countries. Discussions also involved registering refugees in Iraq and ensuring conditions for their voluntary return, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior.

Al-Sudani highlighted that Iraq currently hosts over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with Syrians comprising about 88% of this population, and approximately 82% residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He expressed appreciation for the technical and legislative efforts by the UNHCR in Iraq, emphasizing the need for ongoing coordination to support state institutions in managing these issues.

The meeting also touched on developments in Syria, where Al-Sudani noted that the agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) could improve conditions for the return of Syrian refugees from Iraq to Syria. He also acknowledged the UNHCR’s plan to scale down operations and staff in Iraq, viewing this as a sign of Iraq’s recovery and the strengthening of its institutions.

Al-Sudani welcomed the appointment of Barham Ahmed Salih as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, citing his regional knowledge as beneficial for enhancing cooperation on refugee issues and voluntary return initiatives.