President Rashid Highlights Iraq’s Pioneering Role in Repatriation Efforts at Al-Hol Conference

Iraq 08:23 PM - 2025-09-26

Iraqi President at Al-Hol Conference.

His Excellency Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, today participated in the International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol Camp, surrounding camps, and detention centres. The high-level gathering, held in New York under the auspices of Iraq and in coordination with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, brought together international partners to address one of the most pressing humanitarian and security challenges of recent years.

In his keynote speech, President Rashid outlined Iraq’s determined efforts to resolve the plight of displaced persons and support their return to normal life following the reconstruction of their cities and communities.

Despite immense challenges, Iraq has led the way globally in the repatriation of its citizens from Al-Hol Camp. President Rashid confirmed that 18,830 individuals had already been successfully returned through a carefully coordinated process involving security, humanitarian, and legal measures. This integrated approach has included psychological support, education, and reintegration programmes, alongside measures to maintain social stability.

“Iraq’s experience in handling the issue of returnees from Al-Hol Camp represents a practical model that the world can benefit from and build upon,” President Rashid declared.

President Rashid emphasised that Iraq’s commitment extends beyond its own citizens, calling on the international community to take shared responsibility. He noted that Al-Hol Camp currently houses around 10,000 extremists from 60 countries, with more than 34 states having repatriated some of their nationals, while others have yet to act.

“This is no longer a regional concern but an issue that directly impacts international peace and security,” President Rashid said. “Together, we must close Al-Hol, protect future generations from extremism and terrorism, and turn this humanitarian tragedy into a story of solidarity and collective success.”

The President’s address also paid tribute to the support Iraq has received from the Global Coalition and partners in its broader fight against terrorism, highlighting the sacrifices of Iraqi security forces and the resilience of its people.

The conference, attended by senior Iraqi officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Qubad Talabani, Minister of Migration and Displacement Ivan Faiq Jabro, National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, and Judge Raed Hamid Hussein, Chief Justice of the Nineveh Court of Appeal, aims to:

1.Raise international awareness of the dangers posed by Al-Hol Camp.

2.Showcase Iraq’s pioneering and successful repatriation model.

3.Urge all states to take action to repatriate their citizens and close the camp entirely.

Through this initiative, Iraq positions itself as both a regional and international leader in transforming the legacy of extremism into a framework for peace, rehabilitation, and sustainable stability.



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