Baghdad, 24 July 2012 – The United Nations in Iraq is working with the Government of Iraq, UN agencies in the region and other relevant organizations to respond to recent developments and address the needs of Iraqi returnees and refugees from Syria.

“We are closely monitoring developments and are providing support wherever we can,” said Mr. Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq. “As my Deputy, Mr. Gyorgy Busztin, conveyed to the Minister of Displacement and Migration, Mr. Dindar Najman, during their meeting yesterday, the UN stands ready to respond to the Prime Minister’s call for assistance and support to Iraqi returnees, especially as the situation is rapidly evolving.”

“The United Nations also welcomes the Government’s decision to open the border to refugees and its willingness to extend its hospitality and protection to victims of violence in Syria who are seeking safety in Iraq,” he added.

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, is present at all three border crossing points and at returnees’ disembarkation points, and is working to establish a new camp for refugees.