Statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, Regarding Solutions for the Residents of Camp New Iraq (Ashraf)
GENEVA - I want to express my deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler, to reach an agreement with the Government of Iraq regarding a process for the voluntary relocation of the residents of Camp New Iraq (former Camp Ashraf).
UNHCR is fully engaged in this initiative and looks forward to the voluntary and peaceful transfer of the asylum seekers to a temporary site so that UNHCR can proceed immediately with the determination of their status in accordance with its mandate.
I wish to commend the Government of Iraq for extending the deadline for the closure of the camp and for agreeing to provide the necessary facilities with safety and security, so that the process of verification and adjudication can be conducted in a timely and appropriate manner.
I urge all sides to cooperate in good faith to ensure a peaceful process and I reiterate my appeal to the international community to contribute to the achievement of durable solutions for those recognized as refugees through offering resettlement places.
For further information on this topic, please contact:
- In Geneva, Leigh Foster, on mobile +41 79 557 9124
Related news and stories
Twelve years on, Syrian refugees face deepening debt and hunger
UN Refugee Agency warns of extreme hardship for forcibly displaced families this winter
Iraqi doctor provides care and comfort to Yazidi survivors
Iraqi doctor provides care and comfort to Yazidi survivors
Yazidi women box their way to recovery
The 'Boxing Sisters' of Rwanga IDP Camp in Duhok, Iraq
-
UNHCR seeks comprehensive regional response to address rise in deadly South-East Asia sea journeys
17 Jan 2023 -
Youth mobilized to engage with older persons and persons with disabilities
16 Jan 2023 An emerging practice on age, gender and diversity in India. -
PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund - 2022 Project Summaries
16 Jan 2023 The PSEA Outreach and Communication Fund supports the critical work of NGOs in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment. This document summarizes 15 NGOs' projects to strengthen community awareness and engage with affected populations and marginalized groups. -
UNHCR's Approach to Accountability to Affected People (AAP)
16 Jan 2023 This report consolidates findings from independent evaluations for evidence of UNHCR's multi-faceted approaches to Accountability to Affected People (AAP). It aims to contribute to learning and reflection on a central tenet of UNHCR's protection role and responsibilities: the participation by, and accountability to, the people UNHCR serves. -
First Formal Preparatory Meeting For the Global Refugee Forum - Agenda
13 Jan 2023 -
2023 Global Refugee Forum - Preliminary considerations for the development of the programme
13 Jan 2023 -
Urgent action needed as acute malnutrition threatens the lives of millions of vulnerable children
12 Jan 2023 -
Empowering community-based organizations of persons with disabilities to foster inclusive protection from forced displacement
12 Jan 2023 An emerging practice on age, gender and diversity in Honduras. -
Southern Africa - Roundtable Summary
12 Jan 2023 The Southern Africa Regional Roundtable focused on the nexus between emergency preparedness and responses to climate-related disasters, forced displacement and development in Mozambique, specifically in enhancing development cooperation in anticipating, responding to and fostering longer-term approaches to emergencies.