From Al Hol to Hope: Navigating Return and Reintegration Challenges (Findings Report 37)

This report is a part of UNIDIR’s Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC) initiative, run in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) & other agencies. It explores the experiences of Iraqis repatriated to their home country after spending time in the Al Hol Camp in Syria. It is based on original qualitative research and surveys conducted with residents of the Jeddah-1 Rehabilitation Centre in Ninewa (J-1) during two periods: March 2023 and November-December 2023.

The report investigates the evolving return process and reintegration prospects for different groups of returnees. It particularly focuses on the duration of their stay at the Centre, their access to essential services, and how perceptions of familial and community acceptance have changed over time.

One of key findings of the reports is increased participation in activities and services in J-1, in particular mental health and psychosocial support, and skills training have been accessed and considered useful.