Iraq Hosts Landmark UN Conference in New York to Close Al-Hol Camp

Iraq Hosts Landmark UN Conference in New York to Close Al-Hol Camp
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Iraq sponsored a landmark international conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday, focusing on the future of Syria’s Al-Hol camp. The gathering, described as the largest of its kind, brought together delegations from 180 countries, 25 UN agencies, 11 international organizations, and eight civil society groups.

The Iraqi delegation, composed of senior officials and technical teams handling the repatriation of Iraqi families from the camp, underscored Baghdad’s commitment to resolving the humanitarian and security challenges posed by Al-Hol.

The conference was the first global forum dedicated exclusively to dismantling the camp, with discussions centered on three themes: the security risks of maintaining the facility, Iraq’s experience in repatriating its citizens, and calls for all states to assume responsibility by repatriating their nationals.

In its closing statement, participants praised Iraq’s “exceptional efforts,” urging other nations to follow its example and enhance cooperation to shut down such camps. The statement stressed respect for Syria’s sovereignty, comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, legal accountability, and support for victims of terrorism.

The conference also highlighted the role of the UN as a platform for coordination, warning that declining international funding could undermine progress. Delegates agreed on the need to accelerate safe, dignified repatriations while strengthening legal, social, and humanitarian frameworks.