Minister of Foreign Affairs calls on the International Red Cross to continue cooperation with Iraq to end the crisis of the displaced

 On the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held in New York, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has met Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross RC.

 The two sides discussed the humanitarian conditions of the displaced in the camps in light of the economic crisis, the need to consolidate the cooperation between Iraq and the Red Cross Committee (RCC), and other organisations concerned in this field.

 The Minister reviewed the government’s efforts in providing relief assistance to the displaced, alleviating their suffering in the camps. These efforts resulted in the closure of many camps, bring bock the displaced to their areas of residence after liberating them from terrorists, and providing them with a safe environment.

 The Minister valued the efforts and roles played by the ICRC’s offices in Iraq, by following up on the conditions of prisoners and providing assistance to the Iraqi displaced Iraq during the terrorist acts committed by ISIS.

 The Minister also touched on the government’s efforts to end the file of the children of ISIS families, particularly foreigners, return them to their countries, and to coordinate with a number of countries in this important humanitarian file. The Minister affirmed that Iraq had started serious consultations to find sustainable solutions for the residents of al-Hol camp.  Regional and international efforts should be combined to move forward in this direction.

 For his part, Mr Peter Maurer, head of the RCC, confirmed that despite the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its economic, social effects on all regions of the world and on the( ICRC’s) programs and activities, its  programs and projects are still in progress in Iraq continuing its programs and projects in Iraq, which is among its priorities, noting that he will appoint  a special representative to follow up the issue of the residents of al-Hol camp, find solutions for them, return and integrate them whether they are Iraqis or from other countries, which requires more support and attention from all parties.

 In conclusion, Mr Maurer expressed his thanks for Iraq’s stances, the efforts it is exerting the facilities and cooperation it offers for the success of the tasks of the ICRC’s. The two sides also agreed upon the importance of continuing the meetings between the concerned national authorities and the representatives of the RC for the purpose of discussing common issues of concern for two both sides.