The 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, held in New York, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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

The Minister reviewed the government’s efforts in providing relief assistance to the displaced, alleviating their suffering in the camps, and these efforts resulted in the closure of many camps, returning 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 displaced Iraqis 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, especially foreigners, and return them to their countries, and to coordinate with a number of countries in this important humanitarian file. The Minister stressed that Iraq has entered into serious consultations to find sustainable solutions for the residents of al-Hol camp. Accordingly, regional and international efforts should be combined to move forward in this direction.

For his part, Peter Moreau, head of the Red Cross Committee, confirmed that despite the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its economic and social impacts on all regions of the world and on the ICRC’s programs and activities, it is still continuing its programs and projects in Iraq, which is among its priorities, noting that he will appoint A special representative to follow up on 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 and appreciation for Iraq’s stances, the efforts it makes, the facilities and the cooperation it shows for the success of the tasks of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The two sides also agreed on the importance of continuing meetings between the concerned national authorities and representatives of the Red Cross for the purpose of discussing issues of concern to both sides.