Iraq closes Kurto Camp in Kurdistan Region, signaling milestone in resolution of displacement

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons has officially closed the Kurto Camp in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), marking a significant milestone. This is the first closure of a camp in the KRI since the displacement wave in 2014.

The decision to close the camp aligns with the directives of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has recently pushed for increased facilitation of returning displaced persons to their homes. Minister of Migration and Displaced Persons Ivan Jabro emphasized that the root causes of internal displacement have been addressed, and stability has been achieved in the areas designated for return.

Minister Jabro further underscored the urgency of swiftly concluding the displacement dossier by ensuring the return of all displaced individuals to their homes. This step reflects ongoing efforts by the Iraqi government to address the lingering effects of displacement and facilitate the return to normalcy for affected communities.

By the end of 2021, the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons had announced the closure of all internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Iraq, excluding those in the KRI. The recent closure of Kurto Camp aligns with the broader goal of resolving displacement challenges in the region.