Mercy Hands Closely Monitors the Return of Iraqi Families from Al-Hol Camp to Jadaa Camp: Humanitarian Challenges and Urgent Needs

As part of its ongoing commitment to monitor the situation of returning Iraqi families from Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, Mercy Hands for Humanitarian Aid continues to closely follow the transfer process of families to Jadaa Camp in Ninewa Governorate. The humanitarian situation there requires urgent and multi-dimensional intervention.

This week, the Mercy Hands team in Ninewa met with the Director of the Department of Migration and Displacement in the governorate. The two sides held in-depth discussions regarding the return process and the growing needs of returnees, both within and outside the Al-Amal Rehabilitation and Social Integration Center.

Al-Amal Center, established in April 2021, serves as the cornerstone of psychological and social rehabilitation programs for returnees. It is managed by the Ministry of Migration and Displacement in cooperation with the National Security Advisory and 18 international organizations. Currently, the center hosts 1,051 families (4,046 individuals), most of whom are originally from Salah al-Din, Anbar, and Ninewa governorates. Returnees undergo rehabilitation for two months before being allowed to leave the camp for their areas of origin or other locations.

Despite Improvements, Major Challenges Remain

Returnees have expressed relief at escaping the harsh conditions of Al-Hol Camp, but they still face many challenges upon arrival. These include unclear administrative procedures, lack of a clear return timeline, and insufficient support—particularly due to the withdrawal of many humanitarian organizations as a result of funding shortages.

During the meeting, the Director of Migration and Displacement confirmed that Mercy Hands’ assessment aligned with that of his office, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health support programs, cash-for-work initiatives, and livelihood training to help returnees rebuild productive family lives. He also expressed his office’s readiness to facilitate any humanitarian organization willing to provide support.

Return Is Not an Option for Everyone

While many families are able to return to their areas of origin, a significant number cannot due to security or social concerns, forcing them to remain near Jadaa Camp. Major challenges include difficulty in obtaining civil documentation—especially for children—delays in registering social security numbers, legal and housing issues, and community stigma, particularly for women with detained husbands.

A Brief Overview of Al-Hol Camp

Located in northeastern Syria, Al-Hol Camp currently hosts around 37,971 individuals, including 15,722 Iraqis. The camp was initially established in 1991 during the Gulf War, closed in 2013, and reopened in 2016 following ISIS's control over parts of Ninewa. Conditions in the camp are dire, and it is administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. To date, 3,400 Iraqi families (13,234 individuals) have returned in 22 rounds, though the pace has slowed significantly due to the suspension of U.S. government funding, which has frozen key services.

Towards a Comprehensive Humanitarian Response

Mercy Hands calls for stronger coordination between local authorities and international humanitarian actors to provide the necessary support to returnees—particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Ensuring the successful reintegration of these individuals into Iraqi society requires a holistic approach, including psychosocial rehabilitation, livelihood support, legal assistance, and documentation services.

Mercy Hands will continue to advocate for and support returnees in their journey toward a dignified life and a better future. The organization urges donors to reconsider funding withdrawals to ensure the sustainability of humanitarian efforts in the camps and reintegration centers.

Mercy Hands' team in Ninewa conducts regular field visits to Jadaa Camp, closely monitoring the movement and evolving needs of returnees to ensure timely and effective support.

Chart:

Number of Returnees from Al-Hol Camp to Iraq (2021–2025):

Year	Returning Families	Returning Individuals
2021	1,200	4,800
2022	800	3,200
2023	600	2,400
2024	500	2,000
2025	300	1,200

Source: Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement

For more information and updates, follow us on social media:

• Facebook

• Instagram