Refugees International Applauds Closure of Al-Tanf Camp; Encourages Continued Efforts to Assist Palestinian Refugees from Iraq
Statement by Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Advocate

“Refugees International is pleased with yesterday’s announcement that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was able to permanently close Al-Tanf camp. RI is also grateful for the efforts by many members of the international community to help make this a reality. We strongly urge the international community to continue to help find sustainable solutions for those refugees who have now been relocated to a remote camp within Syria.

Al Tanf camp once housed over 1,300 Palestinian refugees from Iraq who were denied entry and asylum by neighboring countries. Situated between the Iraqi and Syrian checkpoints and bordered by a barbed wired fence and a line of petrol trucks, Palestinians suffered for years in inhospitable conditions. The harsh desert weather fluctuated between extreme hot and bitter cold. Refugees were denied the freedom of movement and often even temporary admission to nearby hospitals. Many children were killed by passing trucks. Fires swept through the tents on a number of occasions. Flooding occurred regularly.

Though Syria and Jordan have generously opened their borders to hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees, Palestinian refugees fleeing Iraq were barred from entering. Palestinians, like many Iraqis, were subjected to kidnappings, arbitrary detention, mass killings, and extreme violence after the U.S. invasion. When they attempted to flee they were simply not welcome by any countries in the region. The fact that Palestinians are stateless and refugees makes many countries reluctant to host them, as they believe that the admission of Palestinians will be permanent since they are unable to return to their original homes and lands.

The closure of Al Tanf is an important step in addressing the ongoing protection needs of Palestinian refugees from Iraq. The international community must continue to work to find solutions for over 600 refugees who have been relocated to a different camp. While these refugees are now enjoying slightly better conditions, permanent encampment is unacceptable. RI urges the international community and the U.S. in particular to continue its successful efforts to find solutions for this vulnerable group.”

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