The High Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al Hol, Surrounding Camps and Places of Detention, organized by the Government of Iraq with the technical support of the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), took place on 26 September 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Conference highlighted the increasingly urgent humanitarian, human rights and security challenges posed by the prolonged detention in northeast Syria. It also aimed to bring together states that have repatriated or are committed to repatriating their nationals to share their experience of repatriation successes and challenges to encourage other states to do the same.
Background
Following the military defeat of ISIL/Da’esh in 2019, tens of thousands of individuals suspected of association with terrorist groups have been held in camps and places of detention in north-east Syria. As of July 2025, more than 30,000 individuals including 8,500 nationals from more than 62 countries, mostly women and children, remain in the camps, with no end in sight. The Government of Iraq has shown leadership in addressing this crisis, having already repatriated over 17,100 of its nationals, with a target to complete repatriation by the end of 2025.
Objectives
The Conference aimed to:
- Present an updated overview of the humanitarian, human rights, and security situation in camps and detention centers in north-east Syria.
- Facilitate peer exchange among Member States on prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration (PRR).
- Promote cooperation at regional and international levels on repatriation and PRR strategies.
- Identify steps to accelerate voluntary, safe and dignified returns in line with international law and national capacities.
Participation
The Conference gathered together:
- Member States from relevant regional organizations
- Pertinent UN agencies, international, and regional organizations
- Civil society representatives, non-governmental organizations
