Baghdad: The governments of Iraq and Spain, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have entered into a collaborative agreement aimed at the reintegration of Iraqi returnees from Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. This initiative, backed by a £1 million contribution from Spain, seeks to ensure the safe, dignified, and sustainable reintegration of returnees into their communities.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the UNDP emphasized that the project will focus on meeting the intricate needs of the reintegration process, especially for women, girls, and persons with disabilities, who have participated in rehabilitation programs at Al-Amal Rehabilitation Center. The initiative aims to provide community-based support to foster reintegration and reconciliation, targeting the most vulnerable groups within host communities to enhance social acceptance and cohesion.
Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom, Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Relations, highlighted that the return of Iraqi citizens necessitates a comprehensive humanitarian approach. This approach prioritizes dignity, reconciliation, and community stability. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to supporting returnees as individuals and community members working towards lasting peace and stability.
Taiton Mitra, the UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, stated that reintegration is an ongoing process centered on returnees. He stressed that supporting both returnees and host communities is crucial for rebuilding trust, reducing exclusion, and establishing the foundations for peaceful coexistence and long-term recovery. Mitra elaborated that the project offers psychosocial support to address trauma and enhance resilience, alongside initiatives like ‘Sport for Peace’ and community facility rehabilitation to promote dialogue and social cohesion.
Diego Martnez Belo, Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, expressed Spain’s pride in supporting Iraq’s efforts for the safe and dignified reintegration of returnees. He noted that the agreement underscores Spain’s dedication to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and sustainable solutions to displacement.
The project will be executed in collaboration with national and local authorities, employing a conflict-sensitive, multi-sectoral approach. This includes institutional capacity-building, community infrastructure rehabilitation, and support for social and economic reintegration. An estimated 150 families will benefit from livelihood assistance, while around 1,000 returnees will receive free legal aid to obtain civil documentation, facilitating their access to services and full societal integration. Female-headed households are expected to constitute approximately 70% of the total beneficiaries.