Iraqi government plans closure of IDP camps in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH, December 23 — The Iraqi government has announced its decision to shutter all camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sulaymaniyah governate by the year’s end, transfering some families to alternative camps, rather than forcing returns to their places of origin.

Amer Adel, the head of Ashti camp, told 964 that recent closures have been executed in Garmiyan and Arbat camps. In the case of Arbat camp, some families opted against returning to their hometowns and were relocated to Ashti camp.

According to Adel, 25 families from Arbat camp have returned to Salah Al-Din governate, while 202 families have been transferred to Ashti camp. The reluctance to return, as explained by Adel, is primarily attributed to the prevailing political situation in their home regions.

Situated in Sulaymaniyah, Ashti camp is currently home to 883 families, encompassing a total population of 9,175 individuals. Despite the government’s recent decision to close the camps, the directive is yet to be realized.

The Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration announced the distribution of a 32nd batch of aid to returned families, amounting to 1.5 million dinars. This initiative is set to benefit 8,536 families.