Iraq says 21,000 IDPs remain in Kurdistan camps

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The migration and displacement ministry said on Saturday that tens of thousands of Iraqis remain displaced in camps in the Kurdistan Region amid efforts by Baghdad to close them across the country. 

Ali Abbas, spokesperson for the ministry, told Rudaw that nearly 21,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in camps in areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) - 18,000 in Erbil province and the remaining in Duhok. All IDP camps have been closed in Sulaimani province. 

The Iraqi government has increased efforts to close IDP camps across the country and support returnees. Baghdad offered four million Iraqi dinars (about $3,050), a fridge, a stove, and a television to families who returned to their homes by July 30; however, many camps still remain open. 

Despite the incentives, many families are reluctant to leave because of continued violence in their hometowns, a lack of reconstruction following the destruction of their homes, and little in the way of basic services. Some who voluntarily left the camps have been forced to return, unable to piece together the basics.

Many of the camps in the Kurdistan Region suffer from a lack of funds, as the humanitarian focus has shifted from emergency response to development and stabilization. 

Human rights advocates have expressed concern about Iraq’s push to close the camps, stressing that all returns must be safe, voluntary, and dignified.

Abbas told Rudaw in July that the date to close camps in the Kurdistan Region has been postponed for “several reasons” without elaborating. He added that a joint committee between Erbil and Baghdad would be formed to assess the situation.  

Nahro Mohammed contributed to this article.